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NBA fining Jamal Murray $100,000 for throwing heat pad on court at official vs. Timberwolves

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•05/07/24•

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Photo by C. Morgan Engel | Getty Images

Frustrations were evident in Denver on Monday night for Jamal Murray and the Nuggets. The Timberwolves were once again victorious on the road in their Western Conference semifinal matchup, taking a 2-0 series lead back to Minnesota. Whether it was being down by a big score or how the game was being officiated, nobody in a Nuggets uniform had fun.

Murray let his anger boil over at one point, throwing a heating pad at an official while the game was ongoing. He was sitting on the bench and was potentially facing a suspension in a critical Game 3. However, he will not miss any time and will instead be paying a hefty fine to the league.

“Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has been fined $100,000 for throwing multiple objects in the direction of a game official during live play, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations,” a statement from the NBA said.

“Murray’s actions took place during the Nuggets’ 106-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of their conference semifinals playoff series on May 6 at Ball Arena.”

The TNT broadcast discussed the moment after it occurred, with Marv Albert calling Murray’s actions “dangerous.” You can see him from the corner of the bench as the heat pack landed just outside the paint.

Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns, another former Kentucky player, actually stepped on the thrown object while going up for a layup.

Murray’s on-court performance was not the best, either. He had just eight points on three of 18 shooting, including missing all four three-point attempts. While 13 rebounds were snagged alongside two assists, bigger numbers will have to be put up if the Nuggets are going to advance.

Luckily for Denver, he will not miss any time due to a suspension. Some cash will just come out of the guard’s pocket and head toward the commissioner’s office.

Murray has had some high points this postseason, most notably a game-winning shot to send Denver through to the next round. Taking care of the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, the Nuggets cruised through the first round but have found a roadblock against Minnesota.

Defending a championship is not uncommon in the NBA, occurring on nine different occasions since the turn of the century. If Denver wants to add to the history, coming back home with a tied series is likely crucial.