The Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans were duking it out on the court Saturday night in more ways than one.
In the third quarter, frustrations appeared to boil over for New Orleans guard Jose Alvarado. He shoved Phoenix forward Mark Williams and was called for a foul. Alvarado then whipped around to confront Williams, and the situation escalated quickly. Punches were thrown, and the benches emptied onto the court.
Here’s more on Saturday’s brawl, which saw Alvarado and Williams ejected from the Suns-Pelicans game.
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Suns-Pelicans fight explained
The fight broke out in the third quarter. The Suns were up 87-83 and had possession. Williams went to set a screen, but Alvarado pushed him away. The guard was whistled for a foul, and he initially pleaded toward the ref before immediately whipping around to the much taller Williams.
The Suns forward went to shove him, but Alvarado moved and grabbed Williams' jersey. Williams didn't like that and spun, and while he did, he caught Alvarado in the back of the head with his elbow. Alvarado didn't like that. He pulled the jersey even more and then launched a punch toward Williams. The pair were separated, and no other players were drawn into it.
Status alert: Mark Williams, Jose Alvarado have been ejected Saturday.Pic.twitter.com/dgTdbgmpVS
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) December 28, 2025
After the game, Phoenix head coach Jordan Ott gave his comments on the fight, per Hayden Cilly. ""I didn't see it. I mean, I saw it start, and then all of a sudden, everyone jumped in it, so I haven't gone back to look at it. Obviously, that's what happens. It just feels like a lack of sleep. The second night of back-to-back, something always tends to happen."
What started Suns-Pelicans fight?
The fight was started from Alvarado pushing Williams back when he tried to set a screen. Alvarado was whistled for a foul and then he tried to get it Williams' face. The big man didn't take kindly to that, especially when the guard grabbed his jersey, and he tried to spin away. After his elbow connected with Alvarado, the guard then unloaded a punch on Williams.
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Why was Jose Alvarado ejected?
Alvarado was ejected for fighting. It looked as though he landed a punch on Williams' jaw.
Why was Mark Williams ejected?
Williams was ejected for his role in the fight. If he hadn't had responded, it likely would have just been Alvarado, but once the guard hit the forward, the big man threw a punch of his own, though the camera angle didn't show if it landed.
Will Mark Williams or Jose Alvarado be suspended?
Most likely. The NBA tends to send messages to players that fighting on the court is not allowed by the league and so Williams and Alvarado are likely facing both a suspension and a fine.