According to ESPN, the NBA is investigating an incident in which Hawks guard Dejounte Murray came into contact with official Kediminas Petraides after the Celtics lost Game 4 in Atlanta. A team source says the Hawks don’t expect to hear word from the league on possible discipline for Murray until Monday. Athletic. Here’s what you need to know:
- In a video that circulated on social media after the game, Murray appeared to frantically reach out to Petritis as the buzzer sounded and hit him in the chest. Murray pointed to the officials and left before being guided to the locker room by teammate Aaron Holiday.
- The 26-year-old finished with 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists on 4-of-8 shooting from 3-point range.
- Boston leads the first round series 3-1. Game 5 is set for Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
AthleticInstant Analysis:
Is suspension possible for Murray?
It seems so. Historically, improperly bumping an official in the manner Murray did crosses a bright red line, leading to an automatic ejection and a one-game suspension.
For example, Boston’s Grant Williams was ejected and suspended for one game in October for contacting official Cheryl Flores in a loss against Chicago. Sunday’s eviction was unlikely, as Murray made the call at the same time as official Petraeus.
However, it is more likely that Murray will be suspended. – Hollinger
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(Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
