NBA Suspends Marshall, Nurkić, Washington for On-Court Fight
Suspension Details
NBA suspended Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall for four games, Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić for three games, and Mavericks forward P.J. Washington for one game after an on-court fight during their game on Friday night.
The suspensions were handed down by the league, and the affected players will receive their paydays.
What Happened during the Fight?
The incident occurred with 9:02 left in the third quarter of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns. Jusuf Nurkić, while being guarded by Daniel Gafford, was called for an offensive foul. Nurkić confronted Marshall, took an open-handed swing at his head, and was then punched back by Marshall. Washington intervened by shoving Nurkić to the ground. All three players were ejected from the game. The Mavericks ended up winning with a score of 98-89.
Reactions
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer was quoted as accepting the league’s decision and wanted to support his teammate, Jusuf Nurkić.
"We want to support Nurk in every way we can. He’s a great teammate." – Mike Budenholzer
Marschall, on the other hand, has been criticized by the league and his coach.
"You never want these things to even escalate to probably the point that it did, and the concern about any other continued situation is not good for anybody. The way our arenas are set up, I think we all have to be aware and just do our best to keep our players — when the emotions get high like that — try and get them to a good, safe place."
- Mike Budenholzer
Missing Games
All three players did not participate in Saturday’s games. Marshall and Washington were ruled out for Dallas’ game against the Trail Blazers, while Nurkić was suspended for his team’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
Filling the Void
In Nurkić’s absence, Mason Plumlee and Oso Ighodaro shared the bulk of the playing time at center, with guard Tyus Jones admitting that the players would need to make up for the physical presence Nurkić brings.
"We know the physical presence he brings, so we’re going to have to make that up. But at the same time, we know Mason and Oso are ready to step up for us."
Tyus Jones
