As the crowd erupted in a mix of cheers and gasps, the implications of Johnson’s ejection reverberated through the arena. The stakes couldn’t be higher—one game for all the marbles, and now the Pacers are left to rally without one of their key players. Johnson, a pivotal figure in the Pacers’ playoff run, had been a beacon of energy and skill, but his moment of bravado has now put his team in a precarious position.