Mavericks’ Naji Marshall and Suns’ Jusuf Nurkić Face Suspension After Intense Court Brawl

The NBA promptly took action by handing out suspensions to the players engaged in a brawl during Friday evening’s contest between the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns.

Naji Marshall of Dallas has been suspended for four games without compensation, whereas Jusuf Nurkić from Phoenix received a three-game suspension (also unpaid) for their part in the fracas, as announced by NBA’s head of basketball operations Joe Dumars in a statement.

Furthermore, P.J. Washington of the Mavericks was suspended for one game for having “escalated the on-court confrontation.”

Although Marshall was anticipated to endure a longer suspension because he delivered a punch, the NBA’s statement noted that the Mavericks forward sought to confront Nurkić once more following their ejections outside the teams’ locker quarters.

The altercation transpired during the third quarter when Nurkić elbowed Dallas center Daniel Gafford in the jaw, resulting in an offensive foul being called. Nurkić proceeded down the court but turned around in reaction to comments made by Marshall.

As Marshall placed his hands on Nurkić’s chest to maintain separation, the Suns’ player retaliated by striking Marshall in the head. The Mavericks forward countered by throwing a punch at Nurkić with his right hand.

Marshall, Nurkić, and Washington were all ejected from the match, which ultimately concluded with a 98–89 victory for the Mavericks.

As clarified by the NBA, Marshall faced a longer suspension due to his punch-throwing and attempts to reignite hostilities. His subsequent addition of an image capturing the moment as the banner of his X account shortly after the altercation illustrated his lack of remorse for his conduct. (Marshall has since altered the banner image.)

Marshall concluded the game with four points, while Washington totaled seven. Nurkić managed five points prior to his ejection.

All three players will commence their suspensions starting Saturday. The Mavericks (20–11) will continue their four-game road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers with Luka Dončić (calf strain) and Dereck Lively II (hip contusion) also sidelined due to injuries. The Suns (15–15) will visit the Golden State Warriors.