The Phoenix Suns‘ showdown with the New Orleans Pelicans turned ugly on Saturday after punches were thrown between center Mark Williams and guard Jose Alvarado.
Late in the third quarter of the game, Williams and Alvarado got into a fistfight following a physical exchange. The Pelicans guard was initially called for a personal foul after seemingly pushing the Suns center.
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After complaining to the referee, Alvarado confronted Williams, and the two got entangled before starting to throw punches. Both players hit each other in the face before their teammates separated them, and they were ejected from the contest for the scuffle.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) and Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) get into a fight.Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Both players are expected to be fined for the incident. More than that, though, the NBA could also suspend them for at least one game.
The NBA has specific rules for fighting during games, with the rulebook stating: “A fine not exceeding $50,000 and/or suspension may be imposed upon such person(s) by the Commissioner at his sole discretion.”
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It is also worth noting that the NBA has been strict when it comes to violent fights. To recall, when a fight broke out after Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson slammed Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro onto the ground last season, the former was suspended for two games, according to The Athletic.
Terry Rozier was also suspended for one game for his role in the fight, while Herro was fined $25,000.
Similarly, when the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolveshad an on-court brawl back in April, five players were suspended.
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Pistons center Isaiah Stewart received a two-game ban, while his fellow Pistons players Marcus Sasser and Ron Holland II each got a one-game suspension. On the other hand, Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid were suspended for one game each.
The Suns beat the Pelicans, 123-114. Williams recorded 10 points and eight rebounds for Phoenix before his ejection, while Alvarado had seven points, three assists and two steals for New Orleans.
Related: Steph Curry Makes ‘Weird’ Admission Following Draymond Green’s Ejection in Warriors Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.