NBA investigating Hawks’ Dejounte Murray bumping referee in Celtics’ Game 4 win (report)

With the Hawks looking to stave off elimination in the first round against the Celtics, their chances could take a huge blow for the upcoming Game 5 in Boston. Dejounte Murray was seen bumping an official after the C’s downed the Hawks in Game 4, making contact with Gediminas Petraitis. The video also shows Murray being escorted off the court by teammates and team personnel.

The NBA is investigating the incident and Murray’s action toward an official, according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. That’s huge news for the series as the Celtics hold a comfortable 3-1 series lead over the Hawks. If the league fines or suspends Murray, the decision will likely come sometime Monday. Game 5 is set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at TD Garden as the Hawks look to continue their season.

There were frustration on both sides of Game 4 as the fouls piled up. Both the Hawks and Celtics got their fair share of complaints in Sunday as there were a combined 47 fouls called.

If Murray is suspended for Tuesday’s game, that’ll be a huge break for the Celtics. Murray has been named an All-Star in his career and has been a productive offensive player for the Hawks this series. He put up 23 points, nine rebounds and six assists in Game 5.

Regardless of what happens, the Celtics will look to finish up the series Tuesday. There are plenty of advantages to that as the Sixers await them in the second round of the playoffs.

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