NBA won’t suspend Nuggets’ Jamal Murray after he throws objects on court twice

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray got lucky on Tuesday – he avoided a league suspension after catching heat for throwing objects on the court in Monday’s second game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Were these items thrown away out of frustration? You can bet on it.

REGARD:

Nuggets fans were panicked and thought a suspension was looming after cameras caught Murray throwing a towel and a heating pad at various points in Denver’s loss to Minnesota.

Athletic/Stadium’s Shams Charania announced the NBA’s decision on Tuesday.

DENVER – Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets looks for a foul as he plays against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter of Game 2 of the Western Conference second-round playoffs on May 6 at Ball Arena. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The tough-as-nails Murray couldn’t escape a $100,000 fine from the NBA, a tough pill to swallow but infinitely better than a suspension while his team is in a life-or-die situation for the Nuggets.

Murray hasn’t lived up to his star status in this series, but Denver is all but doomed if it loses him.

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“NBA issues significant fine to Nuggets star Jamal Murray after he throws heating pad and towel at official on court… No suspension,” Shams posted on X.

Murray left the game acrimoniously, as did the Nuggets because, in their opinion, the refereeing job had cost them the game – aside from the poor personnel inconsistencies or lack of a game plan to make up for Rudy Gobert’s absence on Monday due to the birth of his child benefit.

Other than that, Denver lost the game due to bigger problems than the referees. And Murray seemingly couldn’t contain his heat as the Nuggets went cold against Minnesota.

DENVER – Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets drives while Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends in the second quarter at Ball Arena on Monday, May 6. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

After a series in which Denver destroyed the Lakers, the Nuggets are suffering a complete collapse with their next two games scheduled for Minnesota.

Key Timberwolves role players like Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have stepped up to put pressure on two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Murray on defense, leaving Michael Malone’s team with few chances to score other than third man Michael Porter, Jr.

The frustrations are catching up with Denver in a postseason where many analysts had the Nuggets repeating themselves. It turns out they might not even reach the Western Conference Finals.

After a week in which Patrick Beverley twice threw a ball at fans, it’s surprising that the NBA is taking Murray’s ordeal in stride.

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