The Cleveland Cavaliers struggled to match their opposition’s intensity in Game 1.
The Indiana Pacers came out firing on all cylinders, pushing the break on every possession, and playing strong and physical defense.
However, coach Kenny Atkinson believes they got away with a little too much contact.
When asked about the game, the Cavaliers’ coach took a big shot at the officials, arguing that two of his players got hurt on crucial plays, yet there were no calls on either play:
“It’s unfortunate for us,” said Atkinson. “I don’t think this is on Indiana. I have so much respect for how they play. They’re hard-playing dudes. I think that’s on the referees. Maybe they were missed calls or maybe I’m misinterpreting the rules. But I have a problem when we got two of our best players doubtful for tomorrow’s game, it’s hard for me to get my head around that. There were no calls on either one.”
De’Andre Hunter sprained his right thumb after Bennedict Mathurin blocked one of his shots.
Evan Mobley, on the other hand, landed awkwardly and hurt his ankle after shooting a hook over Myles Turner.
The Cavs actually shot three more free throws (18) than the Pacers (15), but they missed five of them.
At the end of the day, the Cavs can’t put themselves in a position to need foul calls to go their way to win this game.
Granted, the Pacers were a little rough at times, but this is playoff basketball.
Referees always allow more contact in the postseason, and that goes both ways.
Hunter and Mobley will most likely have to play through injury, and the Cavs might need to rush Darius Garland back from his toe injury as well.
There’s no tomorrow, and while they won’t want to aggravate their ailments, everybody’s banged up in the playoffs; that’s the kind of sacrifice it takes to be great.
Atkinson has now put all the pressure on the referees, but it will be up to his players to deliver as well.
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