The National Basketball Association (NBA) has handed down its verdict following an ugly on-court altercation that marred Saturday night's game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns. The league has suspended two players involved in the third-quarter scuffle that forced ejections and shifted the game's narrative.
NBA Announces Disciplinary Action
In a move confirming strict action, the NBA has suspended New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado for two games and Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams for one game. The decision was reported by senior NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN. This disciplinary action comes after a heated exchange that escalated into a physical fight during the Suns' 123–114 victory at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
How the Fight Unfolded
The incident occurred late in the third quarter near midcourt. The sequence began when Suns guard Collin Gillespie moved off the ball, and Williams stepped in to set a screen. Alvarado fought aggressively through the contact, drawing a foul call. Moments later, Williams shoved Alvarado from behind, triggering a direct face-to-face confrontation.
The situation deteriorated rapidly as both players threw right-handed punches before teammates and officials could rush in to separate them. The referees had no choice but to eject both Alvarado and Williams immediately from the contest.
Coaches React and Fallout for Teams
Neither of the ejected players addressed the media post-game. Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott commented on the incident, subtly pointing to the demanding schedule as a potential factor. "I saw it start, and then all of a sudden everyone jumped in," Ott said. "Second night of a back-to-back, lack of sleep — something always tends to happen. They got tangled up, and obviously, they both got thrown out."
Despite the disruption, the Phoenix Suns maintained their composure to secure the win. Devin Booker led the scoring with 20 points. Before his ejection, Mark Williams had contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds in just 11 minutes of play.
For the New Orleans Pelicans, the loss was compounded by the suspension. The team's record fell to 8-25. Alvarado finished his shortened night with 7 points and 2 steals, while Trey Murphy III was the top scorer with 24 points, including six three-pointers.
The suspensions directly impact both teams' rotations in their upcoming fixtures. Phoenix continues its road trip against the Washington Wizards, while New Orleans prepares for a home matchup against the New York Knicks, each now missing a key rotational player due to the league's punishment.
