Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray criticized for 'inexcusable' behavior during Game 2 loss to Minnesota Timberwolves

The 27-year-old point guard was held to only eight points on 3-of-18 shooting from the field and four turnovers, although he had 13 rebounds. However, he was known more for his questionable antics than his lackluster play.

With 4:45 remaining in the first half with the Minnesota Timberwolves holding a 37-20 lead, Jamal Murray, sitting on the bench, was caught on camera throwing a heat pack onto the court while the Denver Nuggets were on offense. For some reason, the referees failed to take notice, as no action was taken during the game.

However, the incident did not escape the Minnesota Timberwolves, and head coach Chris Finch discussed it during the postgame press conference.

“I didn’t actually see it happen,” Finch said. “And the way it was explained to me, the referees didn’t see it either. So they’re not able to issue a technical unless they see it. We tried to impress upon them that there probably aren’t many fans in the building who have a heat pack, so it probably had to come from the bench. Which they found logical.

“It’s inexcusable and dangerous. I’m sure it was just a mistake and an oversight. I’m sure there was nothing intentional by the officiating at all. But certainly can’t allow that to happen,” he added.

Denver Nuggets are in serious jeopardy

With back-to-back home losses, the Denver Nuggets have lost their homecourt advantage and they’re two defeats away from getting eliminated in the 2024 NBA playoffs.

In Game 2, the Denver Nuggets were held to 34.9 percent shooting from the field and had 16 turnovers, with Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic responsible for half of them (four turnovers each).

As for Jamal Murray, NBA fans are calling for him to be punished for throwing the heat pack onto the court, with getting fined being a possibility.