Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson stressed unity and discipline following a 129-109 Game 4 loss to the Indiana Pacers that put his team on the brink of elimination.

Speaking postgame at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Atkinson made it clear he wanted his team focused on poise over protest.

“Compete with class,” Atkinson told reporters when asked about his message at halftime. “It’s not about the referees… stay together.”

Despite trailing by 41 points at the break—tied for the largest halftime deficit in NBA playoff history—Atkinson highlighted a few individual efforts as silver linings.

He pointed to Darius Garland, who returned from a toe injury and scored 21 points, saying, “He wanted to go. He wanted to get his rhythm, which I completely understand.”

Garland’s decision to play through discomfort was welcomed by Atkinson, who hopes it provides momentum heading into a critical Game 5 at Rocket Arena.

“We got two out of the next three at home. That’s where we’re great,” Atkinson said. “Got to get the next one, see if we can come back here for Game 6.”

Tensions escalated in the first half after Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul, followed by a series of heated exchanges between both teams.

Atkinson acknowledged the physical nature of the contest but reiterated his desire to avoid retaliation. “You get punched, you got to be above,” he said. “I said, ‘Dre, don’t react.’ It’s hard, but we kept our composure.”

He praised reserve players who saw increased minutes late in the blowout, including Isaac Okoro and Jaylon Tyson, saying, “Ice looked good there.”

While the Cavaliers await MRI results on Donovan Mitchell’s injured left ankle, the head coach remains hopeful the All-Star guard will be available for the elimination game.

“Hopefully we get Donovan back,” Atkinson said. “Go get Game 5 and you’re back here for Game 6.”

Game 5 tips off Tuesday night in Cleveland.