Jamal Murray (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Jamal Murray has been caught up in a vortex of controversies in the series against the Timberwolves so far. He bounced back from his short-lived slump in game 3, but controversies are still riding on his back due to his antics in game 2.

Despite the NBA fining Jamal Murray $100k for his heat pack and towel shenanigans, the rumbling has not stopped yet. According to Heavy.com, an anonymous NBA exec touched on the matter and criticized the league for its decision.

“We all know what’s going on here, and it’s a bad look. This was about protecting the TV audience for the next game — or games,” said the exec. He further added, “You’re supposed to prioritize the safety and integrity of your referees.” Many former players and pundits also voiced in favor of a suspension of the Canadian guard, but the fine was the end of it.

Amid all these talks, Jamal Murray found his scoring touch in game 3 and, after the match, revealed how he is savoring his newly found villain role.

Jamal Murray Embraces Boos From Timberwolves Fans

With every touch of the ball, the Timberwolves fans showered the 27-year-old with boos in game 3. Jamal Murray scored 24 points in game 3 from 11-21 shooting to guide the Nuggets to a 117-90 win and piped down the home crowd.

Following the game, Murray was asked about the jeering of the crowd, and he said, “That definitely fueled me during the game, and just keeps me in that mode. So it’s fun. I embrace that challenge. I embrace that moment. I probably deserved the boos, so I’m not shying away from it.”

While recuperating from a calf issue, Murray’s output in the series has been drastically low compared to his heroics in the series against the Lakers. His 25 points in the first two games were a massive cause of concern for the Denver side, as the reigning champions were looking down at the prospect of going 0-3 down. Though Jokic and Murray’s partnership ensured that game 4 would not be an eliminator on Monday, which will again give the Minnesota natives ample chances to boo Jamal Murray.