Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green has spoken out in defense of Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, who threw a heat pack onto the court during the Nuggets’ Game 2 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While some fans and analysts speculated that Murray could be suspended for Game 3, Green expressed confusion over why people are calling for such action.
He acknowledged that Murray’s actions were dangerous but believed that suspensions are often called for too quickly. Green, who has been suspended six times in his career, emphasized that Murray’s heat pack incident was not reason enough for him to be suspended.
“It’s crazy how people just automatically start calling for suspensions these days. I just don’t really understand that.”
– Draymond Green on fans wanting Jamal Murray suspended
(Via @TheVolumeSports / h/t @awfulannouncing ) pic.twitter.com/ZdGYzXEprB
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 7, 2024
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves have been dominant in the series, leading 2-0 and outscoring the Nuggets by 33 points over the two games. Their physicality has caused the Nuggets to look bewildered, and Green noted that Denver is currently struggling.
As Game 3 approaches, it will be a test for the Nuggets to bounce back from their blowout loss, match the Timberwolves’ physicality, and regain their offensive flow. Murray’s availability for the game remains uncertain, and if he is unavailable, it will make Denver’s task even tougher.
Murray’s throw of the heat pack went unnoticed by officials during the game, but it was caught on the TNT broadcast, sparking discussion online about whether he should be suspended.
Green, however, doesn’t believe that Murray’s actions warrant a suspension, although he acknowledges the danger it posed. Denver’s Game 2 loss was frustrating as they were held to a season-low 80 points by the Timberwolves’ defense.
Murray faced frequent pressure throughout the game. While no one was hurt by Murray’s actions, it was a reckless move that could have caused an injury. The possibility of a suspension or fine for Murray remains uncertain until an official decision is made by the league.
Jamal Murray throws a heat pack pic.twitter.com/JDADMojQgp
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 7, 2024
Fans reacted as follows:
Draymond advocating against suspensions pic.twitter.com/Wk5uIfBtJD
— GOAT James👑🐐 (@BronToAD) May 7, 2024
Coming from a guy who choked a player
— Wavid 🐍 (@ienjoyuzi) May 7, 2024
Draymond being the one to say this is hilarious 😭
— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) May 7, 2024
Ah yes, let’s listen to the dude with a legitimate suspension compilation pic.twitter.com/7q5Ayy4rB0
— Jeff Pratt (@ByJeffPratt) May 7, 2024
When Dray is on your side, you know you did something terrible.
— Alejandro Gaitán (@alejandroggo) May 7, 2024
Draymond after saying this pic.twitter.com/dkX45lXZ79
— Bernie (@BernieKnowsBall) May 7, 2024
Draymond really tryna help himself
— ⁷ ⁷ (@77GotNext) May 7, 2024
Bro, you're the dirtiest player in the game right now.
— Dark Web Informer (@DarkWebInformer) May 7, 2024
He threw two items at an official, one of them landed on the court and put players in danger. Suspend his ass
— SpermCenter (@Sperm_Center) May 7, 2024
I believe that he doesn’t understand that. But that said, Murray shouldn’t be suspended.
Let the Nuggets lose with all their guys on the floor.
— Gary Sheffield Jr. (@GarysheffieldJr) May 7, 2024
“automatically” lmao what does that even mean? Jamal did something that warrants a suspension or a fine in my opinion
— Drone on a cruise 👾 (@Kwintarget) May 7, 2024
How is that not a delay of game at the very very least?
— Spud 🏀 (@spudbball) May 7, 2024
Nuggets are falling apart. No composure.
— Optimal Bets (@optimal_bets) May 7, 2024
Wolves sweep. Murray suspended next game
— Lou facts (@LoufactsIGB) May 7, 2024
If curry got fined and ejected for throwing a mouth guard the NBA should punish Murray. Players could have slipped on the heat pack and get injured. What a cry baby.
— XSET Ewok (@Ewok) May 7, 2024
