The Hawks could be without Dejounte Murray for an elimination Game 5 of their Eastern Conference playoff series against the Celtics following an incident with a game official Sunday. Video showed that Murray bumped official Gediminas Petraitis while it appeared he was complaining after the Hawks dropped Game 4, 129-121, Sunday at State Farm Arena.
The Hawks face elimination in Game 5 in Boston on Tuesday as they trail the best-of-seven series, 3-1.
Murray headed directly toward Petraitis as time expired and shouted in the official’s face as he bumped into him. The NBA will certainly look at the incident to determine whether punishment, a suspension or fine, is warranted.
ESPN reported Sunday that the league had initiated an investigation into Murray’s actions.
After taking several steps after bumping Petraitis, Murray turned and pointed. Teammate Aaron Holiday immediately intervened and helped escort Murray off the floor with other team personnel.
Murray was not in the Hawks locker room when reporters entered following the game.
Earlier in the game, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum pushed Petratis after drawing a hard foul from Hawks center Clint Capela and guard Trae Young. The two contested a layup from Tatum and the Celtics forward fell to the ground. He immediately got up and pushed Petratis out of his way when the official went to talk to him.
Any punishment from the NBA would likely come on Monday.
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