Denver Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray has been fined $100,000 for throwing a towel and heating pad in the direction of an official during Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Denver Nuggets star guard Jamal Murray has been fined $100,000 for throwing a towel and heating pad in the direction of an official during Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night.
The incident occurred in the second quarter of the game, which the Timberwolves won 106-80. Murray was seen throwing a towel toward an official before a Nuggets staff member quickly whisked it away, preventing the official from stepping on it and potentially causing an injury. Moments later, Murray threw a heating pad in the official's direction, which teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope picked up and tossed to the sideline.
Play continued during both incidents, and no whistles were blown by the official. However, after the game, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch called Murray's actions "inexcusable" and "dangerous."
"That's not just disrespectful to the officials, that's dangerous," Finch said. "You can't throw things at people. That's not okay."
The NBA announced the fine in a release on Tuesday, stating that Murray had violated the league's rule against "directing abusive language or gestures toward officials." The league's executive vice president and head of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, made the announcement.
Murray did not speak to reporters after the game, quickly leaving the arena. The Nuggets guard has been struggling with his shooting in the playoffs, shooting just 3 of 18 from the field in Game 2. He also has a calf strain, which he continues to play through.
The Nuggets are now down 2-0 in the series, which moves to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4 on Thursday and Saturday. Murray will need to find his shooting touch and keep his composure if Denver hopes to come back and win the series.
The incident is the latest in a string of controversial moments involving Murray in the playoffs. In the previous round against the Golden State Warriors, Murray was involved in a heated exchange with Warriors star Draymond Green.
Murray is one of the Nuggets' most important players, but his recent actions have raised concerns about his maturity and leadership. The Nuggets will need him to be better if they want to have any chance of winning the championship.
