The Denver Nuggets had no answer for the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2 of their Western Conference Semifinals series, suffering their second consecutive loss, 106-80, on Monday, May 6 at the Ball Arena.
The defending NBA champions were left frustrated by the Wolves' hounding defense all night long, which led at one point to Nuggets star Jamal Murray throwing a heat pack on the court during the first half.
Officials did not see Murray's controversial actions, and referee Marc Davis clarified what they would have done if they had seen the incident.
"We weren't aware it had come from the bench, if we would have been aware it came from the bench, we could have reviewed it under the hostile act trigger. The penalty would have been a technical foul," Davis said.
Despite a potential technical foul for the potentially dangerous object on the court, Davis said that Murray would likely not be ejected.
"For an ejection you would have to determine it was thrown directly at somebody versus thrown in frustration," the 56-year-old referee explained, which didn't happen during the game.
Timberwolves coach blasts Jamal Murray's antics
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, like the referees, didn't witness Murray's actions, but he definitely believes they're unacceptable.
"It's inexcusable and dangerous... Certainly can't allow that to happen," the 54-year-old told the media in the post-game press conference.
Apart from the heat pack incident, Murray also made a monetary gesture to the referees but did not receive a technical for any of his actions.
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