The Denver Nuggets received some good news after a blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals. Jamal Murray will not be suspended for Game 3.
Murray raised eyebrows and drew criticism after he was caught on camera throwing a towel from the bench seemingly toward an official. Then moments later, Murray was once again caught on camera throwing a heat pack onto the court during play.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch called the action “inexcusable and dangerous” after Game 2.
“It’s inexcusable and dangerous,” the head coach said to reporters. “I’m sure it was a mistake and an oversight and nothing intentional by the officiating, but certainly can’t allow that to happen.”
On Tuesday, the NBA announced that while he received a $100,000 fine, Murray would not be suspended.
A suspension would have added salt to the Nuggets’ wound as Murray and his teammates have failed to make an impact against Anthony Edwards and the Wolves. Denver is down 2-0 while Murray has averaged 12.5 points and three assists through the first two games of the semis. Murray and the rest of his Denver teammates can’t seem to break through Minnesota’s strong defense.
If the Nuggets are to turn things around, they will need Murray to improve his perimeter shooting. In the regular season, he averaged 21.2 points a game while having an effective field-goal percentage of 55.4.
Nikola Jokic can’t do it all on his own, as evident by his 32-point performance in Game 1 not being enough to propel Denver to a victory. The former MVP needs his point guard, as well as other teammates, to improve their play.
But for now, the Nuggets can enjoy the good news that Murray will be eligible to play in Game 3. Now they just need him to make a difference.
