Jamal Murray avoids suspension, fined $100,000

Jamal Murray has avoided suspension for Game 3 of the Denver Nuggets‘ Western Conference Semifinals matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The point guard threw a towel and heat pad at an official in Denver’s 106-80 loss in Game 2. The latter wound up on the floor mid-play, leading many to believe that Murray would be suspended. Instead, he will be fined $100,000, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

NBA fine amount for Jamal Murray: $100,000, per sources. https://t.co/XNtApmguic

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 7, 2024

Murray has struggled in the Nuggets’ second-round series, which will head back to Minnesota for Friday’s Game 3. He is averaging 12.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. The 2023 NBA champion is shooting just 28.1% from the field and 25.0% from three-point range. He has, however, knocked down all five of his free-throw attempts.

Should Jamal Murray have been suspended?

Jamal Murray threw both a towel and heat pad at an official, however, he avoided suspension. The heat pad wound up on the floor, near the ongoing play, which could have led to injury. Additionally, the Denver Nuggets point guard flashed the money sign at officials, indicating that they were being paid.

Murray was fined $100,000 for his actions and will be able to suit up in Game 3. While it is the postseason, he likely should have been suspended for at least one game. Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert faced a fine of the same amount for flashing the money sign at officials in March. The official announcement of Murray’s fine did not mention his gesture to the officials. Denver will need to win four out of the next five games to keep their hopes of repeating alive. The series will shift to Minnesota on Friday.

Check out all three incidents below:

Jamal Murray threw a towel onto the court during Game 2 pic.twitter.com/luj2mKryID

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 7, 2024

Jamal Murray throws a heat pack pic.twitter.com/JDADMojQgp

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 7, 2024

Jamal Murray threw a heat pack on the court during play and faced no consequences for doing so #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/dXh8tszcL1

— Bad Sports Refs (@BadSportsRefs) May 7, 2024

Jamal Murray tonight:

– Threw a heat pad at the ref
– Made a money sign to the refs
– Clapped in their face twice

Received 0 technical fouls.
pic.twitter.com/4M0aFBJSBU

— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) May 7, 2024

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