Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray was suspended for Game 5 against the Boston Celtics on Monday after he contacted a referee following Sunday’s Game 4 loss.
The NBA announced the suspension ahead of the potential series clincher.
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Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics during round one of game three of the NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2023 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. (Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
«Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray has been suspended one game without pay for making inappropriate contact with and verbally abusing a game official,» the league said in a statement.
A video posted on social media appeared to show Murray making contact with referee Gediminas Petraitis as he walked off the pitch. Murray also seemed to yell something at Petraitis as he walked away.
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Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks reacts against the Boston Celtics in the final seconds of the fourth quarter of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2023 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
It’s unclear what prompted Murray to take on Petraitis.
Murray had 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists in 40 minutes. Atlanta lost, 129-121, and fell 3-1 in the series. Through four games, Murray is averaging 25.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
The Hawks acquired Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in a trade before the start of the season.
He was not available to speak to the media after the game.
Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks in action against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on November 25, 2022 in Houston. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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Atlanta is on the verge of being eliminated from the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season. The Hawks reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.