Suns’ Jusuf Nurkic suspended 3 games, Mavs’ Naji Marshall 4 games for Friday altercation

The NBA has suspended Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (three games) and Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (four games) after their fight in Friday night’s game at Footprint Center, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Additionally, Mavericks forward P.J. Washington was also suspended for one game due to his role in the scrum.

The fight occurred with 9:02 remaining in the third quarter when Nurkic was called for a foul guarding Mavericks forward Daniel Gafford, which saw Nurkic’s elbow hit Gafford in the face.

The two got face-to face and Nurkic shoved Marshall’s head and that’s when tempers flared.

Nurkic and Naji Marshall get into a scuffle! pic.twitter.com/axKepcupWY

— Cage (@ridiculouscage) December 28, 2024

Marshall initially pushed Nurkic but quickly took a swing at his face with a closed fist, and Nurkic responded. Teammates had to separate the two with Suns rookie Ryan Dunn pulling Nurkic away from the fight while Marshall was taken back to the Mavericks’ bench by referees and an assistant coach.

Both players were given double technical fouls and ejected from the game. Washington was also thrown out for involvement in the fight. Despite the loss of Marshall and Washington, the Mavericks would go on to win the game 98-89.

The news comes as the Suns are already without injured guards Devin Booker (left groin tightness) and Grayson Allen (concussion protocol). 

The Suns are back in action on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors from Chase Center in San Francisco. Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m. and can be listened to on 98.7, arizonasports.com and the Arizona Sports app.

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