Jamal Murray’s bad night got worse during the Denver Nuggets’ 106-80 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. The 27-year-old tossed a heating pack onto the court during the NBA playoff game, leading some analysts to call for his suspension.
The heating pack skittered underneath players’ feet during the action before it was removed. The Canadian guard also tossed a towel toward the on-court action that didn’t make it to the court.
Murray didn’t speak with reporters after the game to discuss the incident. Referees didn’t assess him with a technical foul because they didn’t know who threw the pack.
“We weren’t aware it had come from the bench,” crew chief Mark Davis said after the game. “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.”
Davis also noted that Murray could have faced an ejection if he targeted a person with the throw.
“It’s inexcusable and dangerous,” Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said after the game. ”Certainly can’t allow that to happen.”
Experts believe Murray could face a fine or suspension for his actions.
“The question is: What is the penalty?” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on “Get Up.” “I do believe he’s facing a fine here. … I don’t know the precedent for throwing stuff on the court. It never happens.”
Murray finished with 8 points in Denver’s loss, which gave Minnesota a 2-0 series lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 3 will be played in Minnesota on Friday night.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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