Nuggets guard Jamal Murray received a $100,000 fine but avoided suspension for throwing a towel and heating pad in the direction of an official during Denver’s 106-80 Game 2 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.
The NBA announced the fine on Tuesday in a release from Joe Dumars, the NBA’s executive vice president and head of basketball operations.
Murray threw the objects onto the floor during live play with 4:41 remaining in the second quarter, while the Timberwolves were leading 49-30. Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope then picked up the pad, tossed it to the sidelines, and play continued without any whistle from the referees.
Minnesota coach Chris Finch criticized Murray’s actions as “dangerous” and “inexcusable” after the game, stating that the Wolves attempted to reason with the officiating crew regarding the incident.
Although crew chief Marc Davis admitted he didn’t notice the toss initially, he mentioned that if he had, it could have been reviewed under the hostile act trigger. However, Murray would have received a technical foul, not an ejection.
Murray, who struggled in Game 2 with 8 points on 3-for-18 shooting, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 turnovers, left the arena without speaking to reporters, according to a Nuggets spokesperson. He has been grappling with a calf strain and has been shooting just 37.5% from the field through seven playoff games.
With the series heading back to Minnesota on Friday and the Timberwolves leading 2-0 against the defending champions, Murray’s actions have added another layer of tension to the matchup.
