NBA Suspends Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington, and Jusuf Nurkić Following Mavericks-Suns Altercation
NBA suspends Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington, and Jusuf Nurkić after a heated altercation during the Mavericks' 98-89 win over the Suns.
PORTLAND — The NBA has suspended Dallas Mavericks forwards Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington, along with Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić, for their roles in an on-court altercation during the Mavs’ 98-89 win over Phoenix at Footprint Center.
Marshall received a four-game, while Nurkic was suspended for three games. Washington was handed a one-game suspension for escalating the incident. The league announced the penalties Thursday. Each player was suspended without pay.
The altercation occurred with just over nine minutes remaining in the third quarter following an offensive foul by Nurkic. As tensions flared, Nurkić struck Marshall on the head with his arm, prompting Marshall to retaliate with a punch that connected with Nurkić’s face. As players and officials attempted to defuse the situation, Washington intervened and shoved Nurkić to the ground.
All three players were assessed technical fouls and ejected. The league stated that Marshall’s suspension was extended because he attempted to confront Nurkić outside the locker room corridor after the game.
Marshall and Washington will begin serving their suspensions Thursday night when the Mavericks visit the Portland Trail Blazers. Dallas is already without Luka Dončić (left calf strain) and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery) in the backcourt. Not having Washington or Marshall will only make overcoming injuries more challenging.
The Mavericks played without Dereck Lively II on Friday night, but the team will monitor his status before releasing its injury report.
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