Saturday’s game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns made headlines for all the wrong reasons. It was the Suns who prevailed, 123-114, but some ugly scenes overshadowed the victory.
Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and Suns big man Mark Williams were both ejected after a fight in the third quarter. Punches were thrown in the melee, prompting an investigation from the NBA.
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On Sunday night, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the league has suspended both players for their respective roles in the fight. This punishment decision has led to a substantial loss of salaries for both players.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) gets into a scrum with Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15).Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The two players got tangled up at around the two-minute mark of the third quarter. Alvarado was called for a foul after pushing Williams during a defensive play. Williams then shoved Alvarado from behind, prompting a heated exchange between the two. Alvarado and Williams grabbed each other, and both players landed punches before they were separated.
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According to Charania, the league has decided to suspend both players for the incident.
“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,” Charania posted on X.
Charania did not indicate if either player will be fined by the NBA. However, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported on how much money both players expect to lose after being suspended without pay.
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According to Marks, Alvarado will be docked $62,069 for his two-game suspension, while Williams will lose $36,072 after being suspended for one game. That’s a total of $98,141 lost salary between them.
Alvarado will now be forced to sit out the Pelicans’ games against the New York Knicks on Monday and the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Williams, on the other hand, will not be available for the Suns on Monday against the Washington Wizards.
Related: NBA Facing Suspension Decision Over Mark Williams-Jose Alvarado Fistfight
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.