The NBA announced that the Cleveland Cavaliers have been fined $100,000 for violating the league’s Player Participation Policy after resting Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley in the team’s Nov. 12 game at Miami.
The policy, introduced before the 2023-24 season, mandates that star players participate in regular-season games to maintain competitive integrity. Mitchell and Mobley, both central to Cleveland’s rotation, were held out for rest.
Mitchell is averaging 30.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists over 13 games this season, while Mobley contributes 18.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per contest.
Cleveland’s record currently stands at 10-5, including a 6-2 mark at home. The Cavs rebounded from the controversial rest decision with wins over Memphis (108-100) and Milwaukee (118-106) on Nov. 15 and 17.
Jarrett Allen led the team in the fined game against Miami, scoring 30 points with 10 rebounds, while Lonzo Ball and Craig Porter Jr. added eight assists each. Despite the win, the NBA deemed the decision inconsistent with the Participation Policy.
The Cavaliers have shown depth across the roster, with De’Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, and Dean Wade contributing double-digit scoring in multiple games. Garland averages 15.3 points and 7.6 rebounds, and Hunter 15.3 points and 7.6 boards, providing support when star players are unavailable.
Cleveland faces Houston on Nov. 19 before a stretch of home games against Indiana, the Clippers, and a road matchup at Toronto, offering opportunities to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference standings.
