Jamal Murray Says He Was 'Definitely Fueled' by Boos from Wolves Fans in Nuggets' Win
May 11, 2024
Based on Jamal Murray's performance in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals, the cure for a strained calf is a rain of boos pouring down from fans in the Target Center.
Murray finished with 24 points on 11-of-21 to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 117-90 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite being resoundingly booed every time he touched the ball after throwing a heat pack on the court in Game 2.
"That definitely fueled me during the game," Murray said about the boos after the game. "And just keeps me in that mode. So it's fun. I embrace that challenge. I embrace that moment. I probably deserved the boos, so I'm not shying away from it."
Timberwolves fans were keeping a close eye on who had the ball. As soon as it hit Murray's hands, they made sure he knew they were paying attention.
Murray was fined $100,000 by the league for "throwing multiple objects in the direction of a game official during live play" in the Nuggets' loss in Game 2. The incident occurred in the second quarter when he was on the bench.
In the pool report after the game, crew chief Marc Davis said none of the officials were aware the item came from the Nuggets' bench, but they could have initiated a review under the hostile act trigger if they had been aware.
The penalty would have been a technical foul, but it would have to be determined the item "was thrown directly at somebody versus thrown in frustration" to trigger an ejection.
Murray has had an inconsistent postseason so far, due in part to a calf injury that has been bothering him since the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers.
After scoring a total of 25 points on 9-of-32 shooting in the first two games, Murray nearly matched that point total and made two more field goals in Game 3. He had 18 points in the first half alone.
The Nuggets needed a win to avoid falling in an 0-3 hole to the Timberwolves. They can even the series at two games apiece with a win in Game 4 on Sunday. It's safe to assume Murray might hear more jeers from the Minnesota faithful.