Minnesota Timberwolves players and coaches blasted Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray for inexcusably tossing a heat pack onto the court during their lopsided 106-80 win on Monday night. The dangerous incident occurred with 4:45 left in the first half as the Timberwolves led the Nuggets 37-20.
Murray was resting on the bench in frustration as Minnesota was dominating the game. With the ball live in front of the Nuggets’ bench, Murray suddenly stood up and flung a heat pack from the bench, sending it flying onto the court towards the action.
The bizarre scene was caught clearly on the TNT broadcast cameras. The heat pack landed right as Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns grabbed an offensive rebound and scored on a putback layup over Nuggets defender Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who had to pick up the object from the floor.
Incredibly, the referees somehow missed Murray’s reckless act and didn’t assess a technical foul or ejection. But the Timberwolves took notice and ripped Murray’s lapse of judgment after the game.
“It’s inexcusable and dangerous,” fumed Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch. “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.”
Finch tried telling the referees it likely came from the Nuggets’ bench, arguing no fans would randomly toss a heat pack. But the refs missed the incident live.
Star forward Anthony Edwards admitted he didn’t realize a heat pack was thrown until after the game, quipping “That’s crazy.” Towns, however, witnessed it unfold but was locked in, saying “I was just more worried about making the layup.”
Murray had an awful shooting night, making just 3-of-18 field goals for 8 points. Perhaps letting frustration get the best of him, the guard curiously chose to make a regrettable decision by throwing an object onto the live court.
After the game, Murray did not speak to the media about the incident, simply leaving the arena without comment according to Nuggets officials. Head coach Michael Malone claimed he didn’t know Murray threw the heat pack.
The NBA will likely look into the matter further. Recklessly tossing objects from the bench towards players on the court is an egregious offense that cannot be tolerated. Murray will have to answer for his lack of judgement that could have caused serious injury.
