Context:

The Cleveland Cavaliers, entering the playoffs as the top seed, faced an unexpected upset by the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, prompting coach Kenny Atkinson to criticize the Pacers' aggressive play. Atkinson, while not labeling the plays as 'dirty,' claimed the physicality crossed a line, leading to injuries for Evan Mobley and DeAndre Hunter. Pacers' coach Rick Carlisle defended his team, stating that protecting players is a coach's job and noted the complexity of NBA games where disagreements on plays occur frequently. Carlisle acknowledged a missed call during the game and cited the high stakes of playoff series as a backdrop for such incidents. The injuries led to Mobley, Hunter, and Darius Garland being unavailable for Game 2, affecting the Cavaliers' lineup significantly as they led in the third quarter of the subsequent game.

Dive Deeper:

• The Cleveland Cavaliers, who were the top seed in the Eastern Conference, were shocked by the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the semifinals, resulting in criticism from Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson regarding the Pacers' style of play.

• Kenny Atkinson expressed concern over the level of physicality displayed by the Pacers, suggesting it led to injuries for key players Evan Mobley, who aggravated an ankle, and DeAndre Hunter, who dislocated a thumb.

• Despite acknowledging the plays were not 'dirty,' Atkinson believed they exceeded acceptable physical limits, leading to significant injuries that would impact the team's performance in the following games.

• Rick Carlisle, the Pacers' coach, responded by highlighting the coach's role in protecting players and noted that disagreements over game events are common in the competitive atmosphere of the playoffs.

• Carlisle admitted there was a missed call involving Jarrett Allen, which added to the contentious atmosphere, and emphasized that such situations are part of the heated nature of playoff series.

• The Cavs faced further challenges as Mobley and Hunter were ruled out for Game 2 due to their injuries, alongside Darius Garland, who was also unavailable, impacting the team's depth and strategy.

• As Game 2 unfolded, the Cavaliers managed to maintain a lead over the Pacers, showcasing resilience despite the absence of key players, as the competition in the playoffs intensified.