Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray was fined $100,000 by the NBA for throwing a towel and a heating pad in the direction of an official during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The incident was deemed “inexcusable” and “dangerous” by T-Wolves head coach Chris Finch. The official crew chief, Marc Davis, stated that Murray would have received a technical foul, rather than an ejection, if he had seen the objects being thrown in real time. Murray struggled with his shooting during the game, going 3 of 18, and did not speak with reporters afterwards. He continues to play through a calf strain, which may be affecting his performance.
Despite the fine, Murray is known for his sharpshooting abilities and ability to carry the scoring load for the Nuggets. His struggles in the game against the Timberwolves came at a crucial time as the team finds themselves down two games to none in the playoff series. The Nuggets will need Murray to keep his composure and heat up from the field as the series moves to Minnesota. Murray’s actions were criticized by the T-Wolves head coach and deemed dangerous, but he was not suspended for the incident. Murray’s performance will be key in determining the outcome of the series for the Nuggets.
During the game, Murray was seen throwing a towel and a heating pad in the direction of an official, but play continued without any whistles being blown. The official crew chief, Marc Davis, did not see the incidents in real time but stated that they would have been reviewable situations. Davis explained that Murray would have received a technical foul for the actions if they had been caught during the game. Murray’s behavior was described as frustration by Davis, rather than being thrown directly at someone, which would have resulted in an ejection.
Murray’s actions resulted in a $100,000 fine from the NBA, but he was not suspended for the incident. His struggles shooting during the game may have been influenced by a calf strain that he continues to play through. Murray’s ability to bounce back from the incident and perform at a high level will be crucial for the Nuggets as they try to turn the series around in Minnesota. The team will be looking for Murray to stay composed and lead the charge on offense to secure a win in the upcoming games. Murray’s behavior was criticized by the head coach of the Timberwolves, but he will have an opportunity to redeem himself on the court in the next games.
