Wolves HC Finch Blasts Jamal Murray for Throwing Heat Pack on Court in Nuggets' Loss

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch ripped Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray for throwing a heating pad onto the floor in the second quarter of Tuesday's Game 2 between the teams.

Murray was not called for a technical foul, as officials did not notice the pad on the floor. Finch called Murray's actions "dangerous" and "inexcusable."

"We tried to impress upon [the referees] there probably aren't many fans in the building that have a heat pack, so it probably had to come from the bench, which they found logical," Finch told reporters. "I'm sure it was a mistake and an oversight and nothing intentional by the officiating at all, but certainly can't allow that to happen."

Game 2 was a largely miserable experience for Murray, who finished with just eight points on 3-of-18 shooting. He's knocked down just 28.1 percent of his shots as the Nuggets shockingly fell to an 0-2 hole against the upstart Timberwolves. Monday's loss was made even more surprising by the fact Minnesota was without center Rudy Gobert, who missed the game to witness the birth of his first child.

Nuggets star Nikola Jokić said Murray should not have lost his emotions on the floor (2:10 mark):

Referee Marc Davis said Murray should have been assessed a technical foul, but he would not have been ejected from the game. Murray will almost certainly punishment by the NBA in the coming days, likely in the form of a fine.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone told reporters he was unaware Murray threw the pad onto the floor.

"I am not even aware of that," Malone said. "I really can't comment. But if that's the case, we will have to see what happens. I wasn't aware of that. I knew a heating pack was on the floor, but it was not in my field of vision."

The Nuggets have three days off to compose themselves before playing Game 3 in Minnesota on Friday.