NBA players suspended for multiple games after ugly on-field fight

Three NBA players were suspended after a fight broke out on Friday night between the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks.

Mavs forward Naji Marshall was hit for four games by fans, while Phoenix’s Jusuf Nurkic will miss the next three games due to attacks on the field.

PJ Washington of Dallas will serve a one-game suspension due to the escalating situation.

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Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) punches Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) during the third quarter at Footprint Center. (Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn)

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Nurkic was called for an offensive foul while defending Daniel Gafford with 9:02 remaining in the third quarter before an altercation quickly escalated.

Nurkic confronted Marshall before throwing a hand at his head. Marshall responded with punches and Washington quickly shoved Nurkic to the ground before the teams separated.

The referees reviewed the play before deciding that all three players would be ejected.

“Just protect each other. That is what it is,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “Emotions will run high. So we protect each other. We talked about this. And it’s showing tonight.”

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) punches Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) during the third quarter at Footprint Center. (Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn)

LEBRON JAMES was tricked into thinking Christmas was for the NBA after NFL viewership was revealed.

“I think fighting at that level is not good for our team. It’s not good for anyone. It’s not good for our league,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said. “I don’t know all the details of what led to that point.”

Kyrie Irving joked that the fight could ‘Helps improve our ratings’ The NBA saw viewership declines in the first few months of the season.

Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) punches Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) during the third quarter at Footprint Center. (Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn)

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The ejection didn’t help Dallas. This is because they are without star Luka Doncic, who injured his calf on Christmas Day. and will miss a month. However, they still managed to win on the road 98-89.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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