Getty Image / Matthew Stockman
The Denver Nuggets took it to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night as they gain a 3-2 lead in the series.
However, Game 5 didn’t fall short of the dramatics.
In fact, there was a controversial technical foul call on Jamal Murray that had NBA fans everywhere up in arms.
Bleacher Report shares the clip of the play in question. The Nuggets’ point guard drives to the hoop and hits an and-one layup.
Afterward, Jamal Murray flexes right in Landry Shamet’s face. The refs immediately called a tech on him.
Jamal Murray got a tech for taunting on this play 😅 pic.twitter.com/2RaUpeMelh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 10, 2023
You can clearly see that Jamal Murray does not like the technical foul call. I mean who would? It was a quick flex and nothing more.
I mean, Landry Shamet didn’t even look bothered by it. The Nuggets’ point guard made a great play and celebrated. Either way, NBA fans couldn’t believe the refs called a tech.
I don't like these taunting calls. I get why they do it. But ain't nobody trying fight because of a taunt in the NBA.
— OnlyVirals (@OnlyVirals) May 10, 2023
I don’t know about that, but fans sure seem to think so.
Might be the softest tech of all time.
— Salley Mitchell (@SalleyBMitchell) May 10, 2023
Nothing’s wrong with a little taunting. As long as players aren’t throwing hands or something.
Let them play bro .. my god
— josh (@hsoj50) May 10, 2023
You knew someone was going to say it.
I miss the NBA of the 80s and 90s
— Jason Mayo (@jay_mayo) May 10, 2023
Fans really don’t like that technical foul call on Jamal Murray.
Soft ref
— Don (@Don66995228) May 10, 2023
Maybe next time Murray will direct his taunts toward the crowd. That will surely have to be the way to go if the refs are going to call that a technical foul.
Even so, it’s probably all water under the bridge for Jamal Murray since the Nuggets won the game.
Make sure to tune into Game 6 on Thursday night as the Nuggets aim to close out the series.