Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin gets 1-game ban for bumping ref

Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) is held by forward Pascal Siakam (43) after her received a technical foul against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

The NBA issued a one-game suspension to Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin for bumping a referee in a Tuesday game.

In a ruling announced Wednesday by the league’s head of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, the NBA cited Mathurin “for making inappropriate contact with and verbally abusing a game official.”

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With 3:58 left in the Pacers’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mathurin was whistled for fouling Evan Mobley. Mathurin then ran toward the referee who made the call, Natalie Sago, and clapped near her face, drawing a technical foul.

Mathurin then bumped Sago and was called for another technical foul. He had already been assessed a technical foul in the first half for hanging on the rim, so he wound up with three in the game — while the NBA limit is two, drawing an ejection.

Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell sank all three of the technical free throws, the last two to put the Cavaliers up 122-111 as Mathurin was ejected. Cleveland went on to win 127-117.

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After the game, Mathurin told the Indianapolis Star that he subsequently spoke with Sago.

“I went to see Natalie, and everything’s all right,” Mathurin said. “(I) wanted to apologize for the unfortunate situation. We were able to end on good terms. I wish her to have a great night, and the next time we meet, it’s all friendly.”

Mathurin will miss the Pacers’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, and be docked his pay for that contest. –Field Level Media