Things got exciting during the Suns’ 123-114 win over the Pelicans on Saturday.
Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado collided with Suns big man Mark Williams late in the third quarter, ultimately leading to both players being ejected.
The 27-year-old Alvarado shoved Williams as he tried to avoid a screen in the middle.
When Alvarado went to complain to the officials after the whistle blew, Williams, 24, pushed him back as the two faced off.
Within seconds, the altercation turned physical, with the two throwing several punches at each other and Alvarado landing a punch in the face from Williams, who is a foot taller than him.
The pair were eventually separated by teammates and officials and thrown out of the game.
Before his ejection, Williams had 10 points and eight rebounds in 11 minutes off the bench for the Suns.
Alvarado had seven points, three assists and two steals for New Orleans in 14 minutes.
The NBA will likely issue fines and suspensions to both players in the coming days. with the rulebook saying that “a fine not exceeding $50,000 and/or suspension may be imposed upon such person(s) by the commissioner in his sole discretion,” as a result of fighting during matches.
Suns head coach Jordan Ott claimed he didn’t see the fight and said these things often happen in the second half of a back-to-back against the same team.
“I didn’t see it. I mean, I saw it start, and then suddenly everyone jumped on it, so I haven’t gone back to watch it,” Ott told reporters after the game. “That’s clearly what’s happening. It just feels like a lack of sleep.”
“Something always happens the second night of back-to-back.”
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