The Atlanta Hawks will try to avoid elimination from the playoffs on Tuesday night, facing the intimidating Boston Celtics, who hold a 3-1 advantage in the series.
They will be doing so in Boston, which will be tough enough.
But they will also be doing it without one of their biggest stars, Dejounte Murray.
That makes things so much harder.
Murray was suspended for Game 5 due to “making inappropriate contact” with a game official.
This happened at the end of Game 4 when he bumped into a ref and said something heated to him as the teams walked off the court.
Murray spoke to the press about his suspension on Tuesday.
He took responsibility for his actions but also said that everyone – players, coaches, and referees – should be held accountable for what they do on the court.
Dejounte Murray thinks players, coaches and referees should be held accountable pic.twitter.com/ILILEHMdcw
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 25, 2023
Murray said he’s disappointed that he can’t play with his team on Tuesday.
But he owned up to what he did and accepts the league’s choice to suspend him.
While many fans online agreed that all members of the league should be held accountable, Murray received a lot of blowback for his words.
“Team should HOLD YOU accountable for essentially giving the Celtics game 5,” one fan said.
There are many people supremely disappointed that Murray would act out in a way that would cost him time on the court when his team needs him most.
Team should HOLD YOU accountable for essentially giving the Celtics game 5. Does it still feel good to stare down a ref AFTER the game was over? Smh.
— The Knicks Recap (@TheKnicksRecap) April 25, 2023
However, some people were praising Murray for his comments.
They said that referees should indeed be fined or suspended if they mess up.
As a Celtics fan I 1000% agree with him. Everyone should be held accountable. If a ref miss a key call in the last 2mins or consistently during a game he or she should be fined or suspended.
— King Of My City (@CityOfChampion2) April 25, 2023
And many agreed with Murray but still felt the punishment was fitting because of the way that Murray lashed out at the end of the game.
He’s right but he absolutely deserves the suspension too
— Smiff (@MIFSTASMIFF) April 25, 2023
There were many who said that Murray’s absence will likely cost the Hawks the game and therefore end their troubled year.
At the end of the day he’s done playing basketball this season
— Patrick (@big_patty_vert) April 25, 2023
Murray has been a huge asset to the team since joining last offseason.
It’s unfortunate that his first season with Atlanta might end this way.
But he recognizes that he only has himself to blame.
Hopefully, that means a situation like this will be avoided in the future.
NEXT:
Hawks Star Speaks Out About His Recent Suspension
