Cavaliers avoided a Game 1 ejection scare with help from their coach and star

During Game 1, coach Kenny Atkinson and Donovan Mitchell stepped between referee Tony Brothers and Max Strus twice to prevent an escalation, and Strus scored 24 points off the bench in Cleveland's 126-113 win over Toronto.

Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson and guard Donovan Mitchell intervened twice during Game 1 to keep referee Tony Brothers from confronting Max Strus. Their actions prevented the situation from escalating and Strus remained in the game. Strus played 24 minutes and scored 24 points off the bench in the Cavaliers' 126-113 win over Toronto. The moments drew attention because of Brothers' long career and reputation and because Strus is known for intense on-court emotion. Key details: - Atkinson and Mitchell physically placed themselves between referee Tony Brothers and Max Strus on two separate occasions to calm things down. - No technical fouls or ejections were assessed to Atkinson, Mitchell, or Strus after those interventions. - Max Strus finished with 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting and 4-of-6 from three in 24 minutes off the bench. - Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 32 points and has scored at least 30 in the first game of nine consecutive playoff series. - Tony Brothers is in his 26th NBA season, has officiated nearly 1,500 games and received nine NBA Finals assignments; he has also been described as having a sometimes short fuse, as reported. Summary: The interventions by coach and star helped keep Strus in the game and he became a notable contributor to the Cavs' win. The exchanges highlighted how player, coach and official interactions can shape on-court moments. Undetermined at this time.