As the game progressed, the intensity escalated, with Brunson and Mathurin refusing to back down. This clash comes as Mathurin, who struggled in earlier games, made a significant impact in just seven minutes of play, contributing crucial points to the Pacers’ 22-13 lead. The stakes were high, and emotions were running rampant, especially given Mathurin’s notorious history of getting into altercations, including a prior ejection against the Cleveland Cavaliers.