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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Suffice it to say that Game 2 between the Nuggets and Timberwolves was chaotic. A lot of ruffled feathers, too. And it would seem that Jamal Murray was the most irritated of them all. With just 4:40 left in the second half, when it was painfully obvious that the Nuggets weren’t coming back, Murray threw his heat pack and towel toward the court. The man in question was sitting on the far end of the bench. Loyal viewership hasn’t reacted kindly at all, despite the ‘first-time offender’ reasoning out there by the public.

While this part was getting much attention, it seemed like it was his second throw of the night. Just moments before, he threw an object which was removed by a rather quick cameraman. Given how dangerous it could have been, Murray should have at the least gotten a tech. But because the officials hadn’t seen it happen, Murray was saved.

Well, for the time being, because The Athletic’s Shams Charania has shared that Murray’s pockets were going to get quite light. In the latest update, he posted, “NBA fine amount for Jamal Murray: $100,000, per sources.” Given how the officiating has been all season, this was enough for fans to go belligerent. And whenever there is a suspension, none other than Draymond Green is always made part of the conversation.

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An individual wasted no time as he commented, “What a joke, Draymond would get life without parole.” Perhaps the major reason for Murray’s inexcusable act was that he threw the objects when Karl-Anthony Towns was en route to a layup. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Reggie Jackson came pretty close to stepping on the object on his way up the court. Finally, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope saw the heat pack and tossed it off the court.

 

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Hilariously enough, not too long after Jamal Murray threw the objects, the public announcer reminded fans not to throw stuff onto the court. And Chris Finch debated with the officials that there wouldn’t be many if any, fans in the building with a heat pack. “It probably had to come from the bench, which they found logical,” he said post-game.

And they did, indeed! But none of this in any way has had a calming effect on the numerous fans on Instagram.

Fans are downright annoyed at the unusual gesture by Jamal Murray drawing ‘death row’ analogies!

We saw how one fan pointed out the consequences through a Dray mention in Murray’s place. It seems like many on Instagram agree wholeheartedly with the above fan. This one user commented, “Draymond would be on death row for that.” 

The next fan has somewhat of a controversial opinion. Notably, the Warriors star missed 12 games after striking Jusuf Nurkic in the face. But then again, she just voiced what many have already said. Many times over. On several occasions. “NBA rules are only for Draymond Green.”

via Getty

Another fan pointed out the potential hazard of Murray’s frustration. “Suspend him, he threw two things one of which was millimeters away from possibly injuring someone.” And as we already mentioned, both Towns and Jackson came close to getting injured.

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And finally, this fan seems to have a diplomatic outlook on the whole incident. “I think if it was regular season he would have been suspended. For sure. Fans want to see the stars in the playoffs. His antics definitely warranted a suspension and actually I’m shocked that he got that frustrated, BUT… First time offender. I’m ok with this hefty fine considering no one got hurt this time.”

Well, she’s got two things right – Jamal Murray’s rare display of frustration and he’s a first-time offender. One of the reasons that the league and a few other analysts have explained for the decision-making regarding Dray is his history of violence. So, the suspension or ejection that was issued to the veteran wasn’t simply based on current altercations.

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Let’s hope Jamal Murray acting out of character is because of the stress of the game and the injuries that have withheld him from giving his best. Especially when Denver is looking for a repeat of the last year. And even more so when they are getting cooked by a team that wasn’t even a serious contender until now.

What are your thoughts about this incident? Do you agree with those who believe Murray requires a suspension? Or are you with the last fan mentioned here? Let us know what you think!