LeBron James said before the Cavaliers faced New Jersey on Wednesday that the NBA should revisit the rule.
At the same time, James said, it is a rule.
"You have to respect that," James said. "If there's something going on the court, you might not like it, but you can't leave the bench.
"I know it's a reaction. But at the same time, you have to try to second-guess yourself and know that you can't leave the bench.
"I hate to see how great of a series that is and those guys lose some great players. But it's a rule. You can't fault the NBA."
Cavs Head Coach Mike Brown doesn't have to keep reminding his players what the rule is. They know it. They are aware of the consequences if it is broken.
As a group, Brown's assistants are required to make sure no one leaves the bench if an altercation breaks out. As a group, Brown's players have never given him a reason to worry about it.
"A rule's a rule, whether it's right or wrong," Brown said.