Cavaliers Fined for Sitting Star Players Against Heat

NEW YORK — The NBA fined the Cleveland Cavaliers $100,000 on Tuesday for breaking the league’s player participation policy. The violation occurred when the Cavaliers chose to rest star players Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley during a game against the Miami Heat on November 12.

The NBA’s new policy, introduced for the 2023-24 season, aims to enhance participation and reduce load management among teams. The league classified Mitchell and Mobley as star players, making them subject to stricter rules regarding resting players.

Both players had participated in a game just two days earlier, where the Cavaliers suffered an overtime loss to the Miami Heat on November 10. They were also in the lineup on November 13 for a home game against the Indiana Pacers.

In addition to Mitchell and Mobley, the Cavaliers were missing fellow All-Star player Darius Garland, who injured his left toe in the earlier game on November 10. Team officials have not provided further comment regarding the fine.

The decision to rest key players was criticized by some fans and analysts, who emphasized the importance of star players participating in regular-season games.