The NBA confirmed disciplinary sanctions against the base of the New Orleans Pelicans, José Alvarado, and the center of the Phoenix Suns, Mark Williams, after the altercation that both took part in during the game played on Saturday between both franchises. The organization decided Suspend Alvarado for two gameswhile Williams received a one-game suspension, after reviewing what happened in the duel that ended with a 123-114 victory for Phoenix.
The incident occurred in the third quarter of the game, in an action that initially seemed routine. Williams set a screen on Alvarado, who tried to overcome it with intensity. At that moment, the Pelicans guard pushed the Suns player and was called for a foul. The situation did not end there: Alvarado briefly protested to the referee and, upon returning to the play, received a push from Williams’ back. From that crossing, both players exchanged pushes, elbows and blows, which forced the immediate intervention of teammates and officials to separate those involved.
The fight generated tension at the Footprint Center and led to subsequent reviews by the league, which ultimately determined the suspensions announced this Sunday. The NBA considered that Alvarado had a more active participation in the escalation of the conflict, which is why he received a greater sanction compared to Williams.
A hot match and recent history
The context of the meeting also helped explain the level of tension. The Suns and Pelicans met for the second consecutive night, after Phoenix won 115-108 on Friday. That string of games seemed to increase the friction between both teams, especially in physical actions near the ball.
Before being expelled, Alvarado had a discreet performance statistically: he scored seven points, distributed three assists and added two steals, with an effectiveness of 3 of 7 in field goals and 1 of 3 in triples. His defensive intensity, one of his main virtues, was once again evident, although this time he ended up crossing the regulatory limit.
It is not the first time that the Puerto Rican point guard has been involved in situations of this type. During the preseason, on October 14, he was involved in an altercation with Amen Thompson, a forward for the Houston Rockets. Additionally, in February 2024, Alvarado was suspended three games for his role in a fight involving players from the Pelicans and the Miami Heat.
From a collective point of view, the loss left New Orleans with a record of 8-25, deepening a difficult season for the team. Phoenix, on the other hand, improved its record to 18-13, consolidating itself in competitive positions within the Western Conference.
The league did not report additional sanctions, but made it clear that it will continue to monitor this type of behavior, in a context where the NBA seeks to minimize physical confrontations that lead to fights on the court.
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