Cleveland Cavaliers’ Injury Crisis Deepens Ahead of Game 2 Against Indiana Pacers
A dream season for the Cleveland Cavaliers is suddenly at risk of spiraling out of control. The Cavaliers lost a physical Game 1 at home to the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, and they will go into Tuesday’s Game 2 facing the prospect of playing without All-Star center and Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley and forward De’Andre Hunter, according to reports from Yahoo Sports.
Both Mobley and Hunter suffered injuries on falls in Game 1 on plays that head coach Kenny Atkinson described as "excessive". Mobley has an ankle injury, while Hunter dislocated his right thumb. Both will be considered questionable for Game 2, along with All-Star point guard Darius Garland, who is at risk of missing a fourth straight game with his toe injury, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Atkinson provided an update on the team’s injury status to reporters on Monday, criticizing the game officials for not calling fouls on the Pacers on the plays that resulted in injuries. "There were two plays in that game that — how should I say?" Atkinson said. "Utmost respect for Indiana and Rick [Carlisle] and how they coach. And I don’t think they were dirty plays. But I think it passed the line of physicality, that line we’ve kind of been talking about, you know, where it became excessive," as quoted by Yahoo Sports.
The first injury occurred when Mobley jumped for and hit a hook shot with Myles Turner defending him. Mobley landed on Turner’s left foot and rolled his left ankle. Atkinson argued that Turner should have been whistled for a foul for not giving Mobley room to land. "Turner contests his two-point shot, comes under — clearly under him," Atkinson said. "Shooters need space to land. And is pushed off balance — in our opinion — and tweaks his ankle pretty bad. I think you guys saw him limping the rest of the game," according to Yahoo Sports.
The second injury occurred when Hunter attempted a dunk that Indiana’s Bennedict Mathurin blocked. Hunter fell to the court after the block and clutched his right hand in pain. No foul was called, and Atkinson challenged the call on the floor. "No. 1 was the non-call on De’Andre’s layup," Atkinson said. "Which, I don’t know. Everyone in the world just look at that play. And they reviewed it. I’m just like in shock," as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Atkinson reiterated that he’s not placing blame on the Pacers, but rather on the officiating crew. "I don’t think this is on Indiana," Atkinson continued. "I have so much respect for how they play. They’re hard-playing dudes. Myles Turner is a hard-playing dude. But the fact of the matter — I think that’s on the referees. … I have a problem when we’ve got two of our best players doubtful for tomorrow’s game. It’s hard for me to get my head around that. And there were no calls," according to Yahoo Sports.
The Cavaliers will go into Game 2 with the chance to secure a win and even the series, but they may be without two All-Stars and a key reserve. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Cleveland, and it remains to be seen whether Mobley, Hunter, and Garland will be able to take part.
The injuries to Hunter and Mobley are not minor concerns, according to Atkinson. "These aren’t drummed up," he said. The Cavaliers will be hoping to get their star players back on the court as soon as possible to avoid falling behind 2-0 in the series.
In related news, the Pacers will be looking to build on their momentum from Game 1 and take control of the series. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back and even the series. The outcome of Game 2 will have a significant impact on the rest of the series, and fans will be eagerly anticipating the matchup on Tuesday night.
The physical play in Game 1 was a major talking point, with Atkinson criticizing the officials for not calling fouls on the Pacers. The Cavaliers will be hoping that the officiating crew will be more vigilant in Game 2 and that their star players will be able to take part without risking further injury.
The series will continue with Game 3 and 4 in Indianapolis, and both teams will be looking to gain the upper hand. With the Cavaliers facing a potential injury crisis, the Pacers will be looking to capitalize and take control of the series.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers series has all the makings of a classic playoff matchup, with physical play, star players, and a intense rivalry on the line. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the rest of the series, and Yahoo Sports will be providing comprehensive coverage of all the action.
