Nuggets' Jamal Murray Fined $100K, Avoids Suspension for On-Court Incident
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has been fined $100,000 but will not be suspended after an incident during Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Murray tossed a towel and a heating pad towards an official during the Nuggets' 106-80 loss.
The incident occurred late in the first half as the Timberwolves held 17 points lead. Murray, frustrated with the game's direction, threw a heat pack onto the court while on the bench. Despite his actions, he did not receive a technical foul as the officials did not notice.
Murray had been engaging with officials throughout the half. After Karl-Anthony Towns regained possession following a block by Michael Porter Jr., Murray's frustration peaked. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, but the game was momentarily halted to remove the item.
Post-game, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was unaware of the situation, while Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch deemed it "inexcusable" upon learning about it.
Referee Marc Davis acknowledged not noticing the toss but stated it could've been reviewed under the hostile act trigger. Murray would've faced a technical foul, not an ejection, had it been caught.
"For an ejection, you would have to determine it was thrown directly at somebody versus thrown in frustration," Davis told a pool reporter after the game.
On the court, Murray struggled against the Timberwolves' defense, scoring two points on 1-of-10 shooting in the first half of Game 2. Despite finishing with eight points, he contributed with 13 rebounds and a pair of assists and steals.
