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Nuggets' Jamal Murray Avoids Suspension, Fined $100K for Throwing Objects vs. Wolves

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIMay 7, 2024

DENVER, CO - MAY 6: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round 2 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 6, 2024 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray will receive a $100,000 fine (but no suspension) after throwing a heat pack and towel from the bench amid his team's 106-80 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

NBA Communications @NBAPR

The following was released by the NBA: <a href="https://t.co/MlbHrJ3qtQ">pic.twitter.com/MlbHrJ3qtQ</a>

Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic first reported the news on Murray, noting the player avoided a suspension.

With roughly five minutes remaining in the second quarter, cameras caught Murray, who was on the bench, throwing a towel at the heels of crew chief Marc Davis while he officiated live action. The towel was quickly retrieved before Davis could see (or step) on it.

A few players later, cameras captured the guard throwing a heat pack onto the court with the action at the basket nearest to him:

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

Jamal Murray threw a heat pack onto the court 😳 <a href="https://t.co/Iho8YW8Q0H">pic.twitter.com/Iho8YW8Q0H</a>

Murray did not receive a foul for either action, although that was because Davis was turned toward the court overseeing the game.

"I was the lead official, and I didn't notice it was on the floor or where it came from until [Karl-Anthony] Towns scored," Davis said in the pool report regarding the heat pack. "We weren't aware it had come from the bench. If we would have been aware it came from the bench, we could have reviewed it under the hostile act trigger. The penalty would have been a technical foul."

It's been a tough series for Murray, who has averaged just 12.5 points through two games (including only eight on 3-of-18 shooting in Game 2). He left without speaking with reporters.

Denver is now down 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, which is shifting to Minneapolis now for Games 3 and 4. Game 3 will go down on Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET.