The NBA has handed down suspensions following an on-court altercation during Friday night's game between the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns. Dallas forward Naji Marshall received a four-game suspension, while Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic was suspended for three games. Additionally, Mavericks forward P.J. Washington was suspended for one game. These suspensions are without pay.
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer expressed acceptance of the league's decision, stating support for Nurkic as a teammate. The incident occurred when Nurkic was called for an offensive foul and a confrontation ensued with Marshall, leading to ejections for all three players involved.
The NBA noted that Marshall attempted to engage Nurkic in a hostile manner outside the locker rooms post-game. Budenholzer emphasized the importance of de-escalating such situations and ensuring player safety in emotionally charged moments.
Marshall and Washington were sidelined for their team's subsequent games, while Nurkic's suspension began as the Suns faced the Warriors. In Nurkic's absence, Mason Plumlee and Oso Ighodaro stepped up at center for the Suns.
Mavs coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the players' actions as protective in nature and expressed readiness to abide by the league's disciplinary measures. He emphasized moving forward with the next players in line to fill the void left by the suspended individuals.
Overall, the NBA has taken decisive action in response to the altercation, underscoring the importance of maintaining sportsmanship and player safety on the court.
