In a recent matchup that the Nuggets lost 106-80, Jamal Murray was fined $100,000 by the NBA for angrily throwing items onto the court. Despite this, Murray escaped being suspended but faced consequences for his behavior.
During the second quarter of the game, Murray, visibly agitated on the sidelines, tossed a towel at an official and then proceeded to hurl a heating pad onto the court during the gameplay. The heating pad landed near the players while Karl-Anthony Towns of the Timberwolves was making a move. The incident was captured on camera, which led to Murray being identified as the one responsible.
Referee Mark Davis initially tried to handle the situation near the Nuggets’ bench but confirmed Murray’s involvement after reviewing the footage. Post the game, Davis clarified the guidelines for ejection in cases of such disruptions.
Murray’s actions faced backlash from Timberwolves’ coach Chris Finch, who criticized them as “risky” and “unforgivable.” While the Timberwolves were expecting immediate repercussions, the officiating team initially overlooked the incident, deeming it accidental.
Despite feeling frustrated, Murray’s performance on the court was subpar, as he only scored eight points on 3-for-18 shooting despite achieving a career-high 13 rebounds. Even though he had standout moments in the previous series against the Lakers, Murray’s current playoff stats indicate a decline in shooting efficiency.
With the Timberwolves leading the series 2-0, the Nuggets will seek to retaliate in Game 3 scheduled in Minnesota. Thankfully for Denver, Murray’s non-suspension offers a glimmer of hope for a potential turnaround.
The next game is set for Friday, May 10 at 9:30 pm ET, and fans are excited about the intense clash between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves.
