NBA Suspends Pelicans' Alvarado and Suns' Williams After Brawl

Tempers flare on the court, leading to suspensions that could reshape the NBA season for a couple of rising stars.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:42am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting in bold colors representing a basketball game, with overlapping shapes and planes conveying the raw energy and passion of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the heated on-court clash between the Suns and Pelicans, capturing the intensity and physicality of the game.New Orleans Today

The NBA has handed out suspensions following an on-court altercation between the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans. Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and Suns center Mark Williams were both ejected from the game and have now been suspended without pay - Alvarado for two games and Williams for one game. The incident occurred with just over 2 minutes left in the third quarter, when Alvarado committed a defensive foul on Williams, leading to a shoving match that escalated into a full-blown scuffle with punches thrown by both players.

Why it matters

These suspensions highlight the NBA's efforts to maintain the integrity of the game and protect player safety, even as physical altercations are not uncommon in the high-intensity world of professional basketball. The punishments could have significant impacts on the teams' performances and playoff positioning as the season progresses.

The details

According to the NBA's Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, James Jones, Alvarado has been suspended for two games without pay, while Williams faces a one-game suspension, also unpaid. The incident began with a routine defensive foul by Alvarado on Williams, but quickly escalated when Williams shoved Alvarado in the back. Alvarado responded aggressively, leading to a fight that resulted in both players being ejected from the game and receiving technical fouls.

  • The incident occurred with 2:06 left in the third quarter of the Suns-Pelicans game on December 27, 2025.
  • Alvarado will miss the Pelicans' home game against the New York Knicks on December 29 and their road game at the Chicago Bulls on December 31.
  • Williams will miss the Suns' game against the Washington Wizards on December 29.

The players

Jose Alvarado

A guard for the New Orleans Pelicans who was involved in the on-court altercation and has been suspended for two games without pay.

Mark Williams

A center for the Phoenix Suns who was involved in the on-court altercation and has been suspended for one game without pay.

James Jones

The NBA's Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, who announced the suspensions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These suspensions aren't just about missing games - they affect team dynamics and player earnings, highlighting how off-court decisions stem from on-court actions.”

— James Jones, NBA Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations

What’s next

The NBA will continue to monitor player conduct and determine if further disciplinary action is necessary to maintain the integrity of the game.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the NBA's ongoing challenge to balance the high-intensity, physical nature of basketball with the need to promote sportsmanship and protect player safety. While altercations are not uncommon, the league's approach to suspensions aims to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, even if some argue the punishments could be harsher.