New York: The NBA announced on Sunday that Naji Marshall of the New Orleans Pelicans, Jusuf Nurkic of the Phoenix Suns, and P.J. Washington of the Charlotte Hornets have been handed suspensions for their involvement in a heated altercation during Friday night’s games.
The league’s disciplinary action comes after a review of the incident, which occurred in the fourth quarter of the Suns’ matchup with the Pelicans. The altercation began when Nurkic and Marshall became entangled under the basket, leading to a physical confrontation that quickly escalated. Washington, who was on the bench at the time, left the sideline and entered the fray, violating NBA rules regarding bench decorum.
Details of the Suspensions
- Naji Marshall received a two-game suspension without pay for initiating the physical altercation and escalating the situation.
- Jusuf Nurkic was handed a one-game suspension for his role in the on-court scuffle, including pushing Marshall.
- P.J. Washington was also suspended for one game for leaving the bench area during the altercation, a violation that the NBA considers a serious breach of conduct.
In a statement, the NBA said:
“Maintaining decorum during games is essential to the integrity of our sport. The actions during Friday’s game were unacceptable and required swift and decisive action to uphold the league’s standards.”
The suspensions come as a blow to all three teams, with each player playing a critical role in their respective squads. The Pelicans, in particular, are battling to maintain their playoff position, while the Suns are navigating through roster adjustments following recent trades.
Team Reactions
Neither team has issued detailed comments beyond expressing support for the league’s decision. Coaches from all three teams emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism on the court and adhering to NBA rules.
The incident highlights the league’s ongoing commitment to addressing unsportsmanlike conduct and preserving the integrity of the game.
