Because Donovan Mitchell and teammate Evan Mobley were rested for a game at Miami, the NBA fined the Cleveland Cavaliers $100,000 for violation the league's Player Participation Policy that tries to limit absences by star talent. Photo: AFP
The NBA adopted the policy before the 2023-24 campaign to limit when teams benched players for rest during regular-season games in a bid to boost participation by star talent in major contests.
In the game at Miami, Cleveland had 30 points and 10 rebounds from center Jarrett Allen while De'Andre Hunter scored 21 in beating the Heat 130-116.
Even without their big names, the Cavs outscored Miami 37-19 in the fourth quarter to rally for the victory.
It was their fourth of five games in a seven-day span, including a 140-138 overtime loss at Miami two nights earlier.
Mitchell, a 29-year-old guard, ranks among the top five in NBA scoring with 30.9 points a game.
Mobley, a 24-year-old center, is second on the Cavs with 18.9 points a game and also averages 8.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
The Cavaliers are 10-5 and second in the Eastern Conference.
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