Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić, and Dallas Mavericks forwards Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington Jr. were all ejected following a fight in the third quarter of Dallas’ win on Friday night.
While being guarded by Mavericks forward Daniel Gafford, Nurkić was called for an offensive foul after extending his elbow, a move that left Gafford on the floor needing a few moments to collect himself. Nurkić started walking toward the other end of the court when he pivoted back to confront Marshall, and the two exchanged words with Gafford still on the ground.
Nurkić slapped Marshall’s head, and Marshall responded with a punch. Washington then pushed Nurkić to the ground. Officials and team personnel stepped in to separate the players before all three players received a technical foul and were thrown out of the contest.
“Just protecting each other — that’s what that was,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “Emotions can get high, so our guys protect one another. We talk about it and it was displayed tonight.”
Jusuf Nurkić, Naji Marshall and PJ Washington have all been ejected from the Mavericks-Suns game.
Nurkić slapped Marshall in the head, Marshall threw a punch at Nurkić and Washington shoved Nurkić to the ground.
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After the scuffle, the Suns were given a technical free throw which Kevin Durant hit to trail 60-45.
“You hate to see that in this game,” Durant said. “Guys are going to get suspended maybe and lose a lot of money doing that. But that’s what happens when you compete sometimes. Tempers flare up a little bit and you go overboard. And then on the other side, you try and protect yourself, as well.”
The Mavericks won 98-89. They were without star Luka Dončić, who is out at least one month with a calf strain sustained on on Christmas Day.
This story will be updated.
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(Photo: Chris Coduto / Getty Images)
