NBA Suspends Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington, and Jusuf Nurkić Following Mavericks-Suns Altercation

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 Mavericks’ 98-89 victory over the Suns at Footprint Center on Tuesday night.

Marshall received a four-game suspension without pay, while Nurkić was suspended three games without pay. Washington received a one-game suspension for his involvement in escalating the situation. The league officially announced the penalties Thursday after a review of the incident.

The altercation unfolded with just over nine minutes remaining in the third quarter following an offensive foul called against Nurkić. After the whistle, tensions flared when Nurkić struck Marshall across the head with his arm. In retaliation, Marshall swung and connected a punch to Nurkić’s face. As players and officials rushed in to try to de-escalate the situation, Washington became involved by shoving Nurkić to the ground.

All three players were assessed technical fouls and were immediately ejected from the game. In its statement, the league noted that Marshall’s suspension was lengthened due to his attempt to confront Nurkić again in the corridor outside the locker rooms following the contest. This action was deemed a serious escalation.

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 were also missing center Dereck Lively II for Tuesday’s game due to a left hip contusion. His status for upcoming games remains uncertain as the team continues to monitor his progress before releasing its next injury report.

Without several core contributors, the Mavericks will have to rely on increased production from depth players as they try to stay competitive through a critical stretch of the season.