The NBA finally addressed the heated moment that crossed the line during Saturday night’s Pelicans-Suns matchup in New Orleans. It started as a tense, physical game turned chaotic in the third quarter, forcing officials to eject two players and shift the spotlight away from the score. The league’s response arrived later, confirming discipline for both sides involved in the altercation.The incident occurred during Phoenix’s 123–114 win at the Smoothie King Center. It was a game that completed a back-to-back set between the teams. Amid the intense game, a routine defensive sequence spiraled into an ugly exchange that demanded league intervention. But not without consequences.
What are the NBA punishments for Jose Alvarado and Mark Williams ?
ESPN’s Shams Charania shared that the NBA is taking strict action against Jose Alvarado and Mark Williams. “The NBA is suspending New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado for two games and Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams for one game after their fight Saturday night, sources tell ESPN,” senior NBA insider Charania shared on X.The fight occurred late in the third quarter near midcourt. As Suns guard Collin Gillespie moved off the ball, Williams stepped in to set a screen. Alvarado fought aggressively through the contact and was called for a foul. Moments later, Williams shoved Alvarado from behind, triggering a face-to-face confrontation. The exchange escalated quickly as both players threw right hands before teammates and officials rushed in. Referees ejected both players immediately.Neither Alvarado nor Williams spoke to the media after the game. Suns head coach Jordan Ott acknowledged the moment without assigning blame, pointing to the strain of the schedule.“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.”
Pelicans- Suns fight fallout shapes aftermath of New Orleans loss
Despite the disruption, Phoenix maintained control on the floor. Williams finished with 10 points and eight rebounds in only 11 minutes before his ejection. Devin Booker led the Suns with 20 points, while Royce O’Neale highlighted the collective effort required to close out the win.“Yesterday was a dog fight, and today was a dog fight,” O’Neale said. “It took everybody to get this win.”For New Orleans, the loss dropped the Pelicans to 8–25. Alvarado ended his night with seven points and two steals, while Trey Murphy III paced the team with 24 points, including six three-pointers.The suspensions now remove two rotation players from upcoming games as both teams press forward. Phoenix continues its road trip against Washington, while New Orleans prepares for a home matchup with New York.Also Read: “It’s disrespectful”: Giannis Antetokounmpo snaps at reporter after blunt question about his future in Milwaukee