The Atlanta Hawks could be without one of their best players for a win or go home Game 5 matchup after possibly getting physical with an official following their loss on Sunday.
After making a run in the third quarter to get back into their game on Sunday, the Atlanta Hawks again fell to the Boston Celtics, 129-121, and are on the brink of elimination from the NBA Playoffs. Even at full health, this was always going to be a very difficult series for Atlanta, however, it may now be a nearly impossible task for the team to get a win when the series resumes for Game 5.
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On Sunday night, ESPN NBA insider Tim Bontemps reported that Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray is under investigation by the NBA for possibly bumping an official after the team’s defeat on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks record (’22-’23): 41-41
“Murray, who had 23 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in 40 minutes during Sunday’s game, appeared to make contact with referee Gediminas Petraitis as Murray was walking off the floor. Murray then turned back and pointed and yelled at someone before exiting the court.”
– Tim Bontemps
During the NBA Playoffs, the league certainly wants to keep the best players on the court for each team, however, touching referees — if that did happen — is a major no-no and is likely to lead to a pretty strong response from the league.
Yet, thus far in the 2023 postseason the league has taken very different approaches to a pair of suspendable incidents in the first round. Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook went up to a suite to confront a Phoenix Suns fan but was not hit with serious punishment. However, Golden State Warriors legend Draymond Green was banned for a game after seemingly stomping on the chest of Sacramento Kings All-Star Domantas Sabonis.
In the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Dejounte Murray is second for the Atlanta Hawks in points, rebounds, and assists, and is leading the team with 2.3 steals per game over four postseason outings.