Jose Alvarado and Mark Williams could face a major punishment after they were involved in a fist fight during a recent NBA match.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, the New Orleans Pelicans hosted the Phoenix Suns in an NBA match inside the Smoothie King Center.
Phoenix won 123-114 after a dramatic match that saw Phoenix Suns center Williams and New Orleans Pelicans point guard Alvarado throw punches each other.
The controversial moment started after a foul call on Alvarado led to a short break in in the third quarter of the NBA game.
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Both players were immediately ejected from the match for the incident, but they now could be handed an even more severe punishment.
While defending during the quarter, Alvarado pushed Williams out of the way, prompting the Phoenix Suns star to shove his rival back.
The referee then called a foul for the moment, prompting Alvarado to begin arguing with Williams before the pair grabbed each other and started throwing punches.
Both players landed clean right hands on each other before their teammates forced them apart and officials ejected them from the match.
But things are likely about to get worse for both men, as it is widely expected that they will both be handed a suspension and a fine for their behaviour during the incident.
According to the official NBA rules, “a fine not exceeding $50,000 and/or suspension may be imposed upon such person(s) by the Commissioner at his sole discretion,” as a result of fighting during games.
It is unclear how long the potential suspensions Alvarado and Williams are facing would last.
When asked about the incident post-match, Suns head coach Jordan Ott claimed that he did not see the fight, but admitted he wasn't surprised given the fact they have played the New Orleans Pelicans in back-to-back matches.
“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,” Ott told media after the game.
“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.”
Topics: NBA, Basketball
Ben McCrum