Jamal Murray’s avoided suspension sets tone for rest of NBA playoffs

The NBA dealt Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray a hefty $100,000 fine for throwing a heating pack and towel onto the floor in Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he will not face a suspension.

Frustration overwhelmed Murray late in the first half of the matchup, with the Nuggets trailing by 17 points, leading him to throw multiple objects from the bench. The league announced the fine in a release from Joe Dumars, the NBA's executive vice president and head of basketball operations.

Murray avoided a technical foul during the game, as the referees did not notice the objects, and now he won't be sidelined at all for his actions. If this situation occurred during the regular season, it seems very likely that Murray would have been suspended. This begs the question: did the NBA alter their decision-making process to keep a star player on the floor?

The reigning-champion Nuggets trail the Wolves 0-2 in the series, and Minnesota has all of the momentum. A sweep would not be in the league’s best interest, with them missing out on up to three potentially thrilling games. While Murray isn't playing his best basketball, missing Game 3 could’ve been the nail in the coffin for the Nuggets. He has scored 17 and 8 points on poor efficiency in the series thus far.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch explained that he didn't actually see the objects get thrown but described it as “inexcusable and dangerous.” Meanwhile, Nuggets coach Mike Malone simply said, "I have not been aware of that, so I really can't comment.” Malone was involved in a controversy of his own as he stormed up to the official and screamed in his face, but did not receive a technical.

Going forward in these NBA playoffs, it will be interesting to see how the league office handles any situations involving potential fines and suspensions.