NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams and New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado were ejected after a third-quarter fight Saturday night.
The 7-foot-1 Williams and the 6-foot Alvarado exchanged blows after fouling Alvarado. In back-to-back games between the two teams in New Orleans, Phoenix won 123-114, completing a two-game sweep.
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Alvarado, an aggressive defender, tried to work his way through ball screens set by Williams to pressure Suns sharpshooter Colin Gillespie, who made his first five 3-pointers of the game.
Alvarado pushed Williams away while defending and was called for a foul. Williams then pushed Alvarado in the back. Alvarado turned to Williams and the two exchanged words before grabbing each other and throwing punches. Both players landed right hands and separated before being ejected.
No other players were involved in the altercation.
Phoenix head coach Jordan Ott said he hasn’t seen the video but attributed the altercation to competitiveness and fatigue.
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“I saw it start, and then all of a sudden everyone jumped,” Ott said. “Obviously, that does happen. It felt like the second night of a back-to-back with lack of sleep, something always happens. Last night, there were a lot of free throws; tonight not so much. They let us play tonight and that’s something we enjoyed. They tangled up and obviously they both got knocked out.”
Pelicans head coach James Borrego also said he was unable to see video of the game. Neither player spoke to reporters after the game.
“Yesterday was a dog fight, today is a dog fight,” Suns forward Royce O’Neal said. “This win requires everyone’s effort. Everyone pitches in and contributes and works hard.”
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