The Denver Nuggets are amid a challenging second-round matchup in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets find themselves down 2-0 to the tough two-way Minnesota Timberwolves. Star guard Jamal Murray made headlines when his Game 2 frustration resulted in him throwing a heat pack on the court mid-competition. Murray is breaking the silence after the NBA's $100,00 fine for the act.

Murray spoke to reporters after Denver practiced on Wednesday and took responsibility for what happened on Monday night.

“No, I mean it is what it is. I take full responsibility, so onto the next,” Murray said when asked if the NBA's fine was fair, per Jake Shapiro.

Murray did not have much more to say afterward. When asked if his throwing the heat pack was just a matter of frustration, this was his reply:

“Yeah, uh, onto the next. Two days ago, not much for me to say about it,” Murray added.

The star Nuggets guard was finally asked if he had conversations about apologizing for what happened, and he asked reporters if they had any basketball-focused questions.

It is clear that Murray is not satisfied with his performance so far in the Nuggets-Timberwolves series. He finished Game 2 with eight points and 13 rebounds. His scoring mark was strikingly less than the 17 points he amassed in Game 1 when he was held scoreless in the first half.

Murray has the capability of erupting for 20-plus points on a given night, so his play thus far is surprising. The 27-year-old tied his career-high in points during the 2023-24 regular season with 21.2 per game along with a career-best of 42.5 percent on three-pointers.

The talented guard must find a way to stay composed and return to his scoring dominance for the Nuggets to have a chance against the Timberwolves.

How will Nuggets' Jamal Murray overcome Minnesota's tough defense?

Murray's frustration from Monday night is a sign that the Timberwolves are doing their job disrupting Denver's offense. It will take critical thinking for Michael Malone and his staff to help Murray and the Nuggets bounce back in Game 3.

This is not the first time the star guard has had problems with Minnesota's defense. The Nuggets played the Timberwolves four times during the 2023-24 regular season and split the series 2-2. Murray reached the 20-point mark in just one of the games: the 116-110 April 10th victory. In the two other matchups, he scored 14 and 18 points.

The defining factor in Murray's 20-point game from the April 10th win was Nikola Jokic's 40-point night. Perhaps the answer to Murray's problems is a better night from Jokic. The bar might sound high, but if Jokic can score 40 points or more in Game 2 and put even more pressure on the Timberwolves' defense than he already is, Murray might be able to have a better scoring night.

Of course, Denver also needs its role players to step up and know more shots to open things up more. Regardless of what happens in Game 3 and beyond, Jamal Murray and his teammates must stay grounded and keep battling.

Murray cannot allow an altercation like the thrown heat pack to resurface. The league's $100,000 fine is hefty. Yet, some believe fining Murray without suspension was a missed opportunity for the NBA to make a larger point about player conduct, per insight from ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel.

Things are not going smoothly for Murray and the Nuggets. However, he and the team are capable of bouncing back for an improved showing.