Suns centre Mark Williams and Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado were both ejected and seem in line for suspensions following a physical altercation in the third quarter of Saturday’s game.
The incident occurred with just over two minutes left in the second quarter. After being called for a foul while trying to get around a screen from Williams, Alvarado complained to the officials, then turned back towards the Suns centre and got into his chest.
Alvarado grabbed at Williams’ jersey, and as the big man tried to push him away, the two got tangled up and began swinging at each other, with both connecting on punches.
The players had to be separated by teammates and officials and were both immediately ejected.
Fighting suspensions are a rarity in the NBA. Most recently, five players were suspended for at least a game following an altercation between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons on April 1, 2025.
