Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson reported on Monday that big man Evan Mobley and forward De’Andre Hunter are doubtful for Game 2 of their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers due to injuries suffered during Sunday’s first game. Mobley sustained an ankle injury and Hunter dislocated his thumb, which left Atkinson dissatisfied with the incidents.

“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 where it became excessive,” Atkinson told the media.

Four minutes into the fourth quarter of the Cavaliers’ 121-112 loss, Mobley executed a jump hook over Pacers’ center Myles Turner but landed awkwardly on Turner’s ankle.

Atkinson commented: “Turner contests his 2-point shot, comes under – clearly under him. Shooters need space to land. And [Mobley] 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. There was a big push to get him out. He wanted to stay in.”

On Cleveland’s subsequent offensive play, Hunter was challenged by the Pacers’ Bennedict Mathurin while attempting a layup on a fast break, resulting in contact but no foul called by officials. Atkinson challenged the play, leading to a conclusion that the contact was too slight to warrant a foul.

“Everyone in the world, just look at that play… I guess I gotta know the rules better. Maybe I don’t know the rules. I felt he got absolutely obliterated and dislocated his thumb,” he expressed.

Atkinson acknowledged the misfortune of these injuries but refrained from placing the blame on the Pacers. “I don’t think this is on Indiana,” he stated, expressing respect for their style of play. He pointed out that it’s troubling to see his team facing such significant injury challenges due to uncalled fouls.

Darius Garland, another key player for the Cavaliers, is also listed as questionable due to a sprained toe and has missed the last three games. Atkinson mentioned that the team wanted him fully recovered before returning.

Garland will be a game-time decision ahead of Game 2.