New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado didn't allow Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams to push him around.
Literally.
In the third quarter of Saturday night's game between New Orleans and Phoenix, Williams set a screen in Alvarado's defensive path when Alvarado shoved him with two hands. An official immediately called a foul on Alvarado after the shove, and Alvarado turned around to argue the call. As Alvarado had his back turned to Williams to argue the call, Williams shoved Alvarado in the back.
Alvarado immediately stopped pleading his case to the official and turned back to Williams. After a brief staredown, Alvarado grabbed Williams' jersey, and the two began to tussle. After Williams hit Alvarado in the head, Alvarado threw a punch at Williams' jaw.
The two players were separated shortly after Alvarado's punch, and both players were ejected from the game.
The Pelicans ultimately lost the game 123-114. Rookie center Derik Queen finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds in 27 minutes on his 21st birthday. Five days after winning five games in a row, the Pelicans have now lost three games consecutively.
JOSE ALVARADO VS MARK WILLIAMS
FEATHER WEIGHT VS HEAVY WEIGHT BOUT pic.twitter.com/2H80S9mB42
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) December 28, 2025