The NBA announced the suspensions of point guard José Alvarado, of the New Orleans Pelicans, and center Mark Williams, of the Phoenix Suns, for their involvement in an on-court disturbance during the match between the two teams this Saturday (12/27). The decision was communicated by James Jones, executive vice president and head of basketball operations for the league.
Alvarado was suspended for two games without pay, while Williams was suspended for one game, also without pay. The incident occurred with 2:06 remaining in the third quarter of the Suns’ 123-114 victory over the Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center.
According to the NBA, the confusion began after Alvarado committed a defensive foul on Williams. In response, the Suns center pushed the leader from behind. Alvarado then reacted, escalating the situation and the two players became involved in an exchange of punches on the court.
The suspensions already have defined dates. José Alvarado will serve his sentence during the Pelicans’ games against the New York Knicks on December 29 and against the Chicago Bulls on December 31. Mark Williams will be ruled out of the Suns’ game against the Washington Wizards, also on December 29.
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