Contrary to the first round series against the Los Angeles Lakers, where the Denver Nuggets defeated the opponent with a score of 4-1, the defending NBA champions are facing many difficulties in the second round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Although the Denver Nuggets played the first two rounds at home, they lost both matches. This series of defeats included a weak performance in Game 2 when at times leading by 30 points (80-50 in the third round) before finally losing with a score of 106-80.

The Denver Nuggets star duo had a poor performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2, only achieving a total of 8-31 FGs throughout the match.

Not only did the Nuggets receive 2 consecutive unfavorable results and fall into a difficult position in this Playoffs series, they also left an unfavorable image surrounding Jamal Murray.

Still struggling with a calf injury, Murray started Game 2 poorly with exactly 1 successful shot in the first and second halves, scoring only 2 points.

In addition to a number of situations where he did not agree with the referee’s decision, Murray could not keep his calm. While sitting on the bench at the end of the second half, the Canadian defender threw a hot pack onto the field while the match was still going on.

Fortunately, the ice bag was not stepped on by any player. Karl-Anthony Towns landed right next to him but luckily “escaped”. The referee then stopped the match to clean the field and take out the ice bag.

Realizing that this was a dangerous action, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch reacted quite harshly after the match. He said such a reaction could completely cause unnecessary injuries to the players on the field.

“ Regardless of the reason, we should not act like that, especially when the match is still going on. This is an undeniable, inexplicable and extremely dangerous action ,” the Timberwolves captain said after Game 2.

As for the Denver Nuggets, coach Michael Malone said: “I don’t know why that happened so I can’t comment further to you. I only know that a team’s hot pack was brought onto the field, it’s not clear where it came from or who threw it there.”

Jamal Murray and the Denver Nuggets players reacted quite harshly to the referee in Game 2
The referees said that because they did not understand exactly why the hot pack appeared on the field, no penalty was given.

“ In case they determine that it was a Denver Nuggets player who threw it for the purpose of reacting, there will definitely be a technical foul that will be penalized. In the case of intentionally throwing a foreign object at someone, the thrower will be immediately disqualified ,” referee Marc Davis commented on the incident.

Although there was no penalty given during the match, Jamal Murray will likely be fined additionally by the tournament management board.  Not only did he throw a hot bag onto the field, Murray also used his hand to make a sign to receive money towards the referee. Rudy Gobert was fined up to 100,000 USD in the last Regular Season for a similar action.

Jamal Murray used his hand to signal money, referring to the referees in Game 2 of the Playoffs series against the Timberwolves

Some experts have thought the worst case scenario would be Jamal Murray being suspended for one game. If this scenario happens, the Denver Nuggets will face countless difficulties in Game 3 taking place at the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, May 11.