The NBA has made an official decision following the altercation between New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams on Saturday night.
Alvarado and Williams fought each other during the third quarter of the contest. Williams did a shove motion on Alvarado's back, which led to the latter to start throwing punches at the former. Both teams had to separate them before it got worse, as the officiating crew ejected both players from the game.
The NBA evaluated the situation and made an official decision regarding suspensions. They determined that Alvarado will miss two games without pay and Williams will be absent for one game without pay.
“Alvarado will serve his suspension on Dec. 29 when the Pelicans host the New York Knicks and Dec. 31 when the Pelicans visit the Chicago Bulls. Williams will serve his suspension on Dec. 29 when the Suns visit the Wizards,” part of the announcement read.
What's next for Pelicans after Jose Alvarado's suspension
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) blocks the shot of Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) during the second half at Smoothie King Center.
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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The suspensions themselves could've been much worse if Jose Alvarado and Mark Williams further escalated the fight. Nonetheless, they will have to miss their respective games for the Pelicans and Suns.
Alvarado is going through the fifth season of his NBA career, all with the Pelicans. He stands out as a spark plug off the bench for New Orleans, averaging 8.3 points and 3.2 assists per game this season. As for Williams, he is progressing through the fourth campaign of his career, his first with the Suns. He has been a double-double machine in Phoenix's rotation, producing 13.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per contest.
New Orleans has an 8-25 record on the season, being at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. They are behind the Sacramento Kings by one game and Los Angeles Clippers by 2.5 games.
The Pelicans will move forward with preparations for their next matchup, being at home. They host the New York Knicks on Dec. 29 at 8 p.m. ET.