The Denver Nuggets have been outplayed, outhustled, and outworked in the first two games of the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. Karl Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards led the way as the Minnesota Timberwolves defensive effort popped off the screen. Charles Barkley said the first half was the best defense he had ever seen a team play. It has frustrated and slowed down Nikola Jokic; however, it has put Jamal Murray at a standstill as he battles an injury. With a feisty Wolves defense, an injury, and shooting struggles it can get frustrating. It can sometimes make you act uncharacteristically.
The former UK point guard went 3 for 18 Monday night, finishing with eight points, 13 rebounds, and two assists. Murray showed a side of himself as a poor sport that we rarely see from anybody on this Denver Nuggets team. In the middle of the second quarter, before Murray threw a heating pad onto the court, he threw a towel at the feet of one of the officials, which can also be seen below.
The outburst that got everyone’s attention was his irresponsible throwing of a heating pad on the court during gameplay. He did not receive a technical, nor did the team. Nobody knew who did it until the TNT team showed a camera angle showing Murray blatantly throwing the pack onto the floor.
Murray was not himself available for comment. However, his actions were described as “inexcusable” and “dangerous” by Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch following the game. Game 3 takes place on Friday.
According to Shams Charania, Senior lead NBA Insider for The Athletic and Stadium, the NBA plans to fine Murray a “substantial amount after throwing heat pad and towel on court toward official Monday night.” Reports suggest he will not be suspended.
which gives NBA Commissioner Adam Silver a lot of time to decide whether Murray should be suspended and fined or just fined. Regardless of what is decided, Murray knows he was wrong, and I know we will be hearing a statement later this week from him probably apologizing.
