The NBA announced punishments to Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams and New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado. The two players got into a heated situation during the second game of their back-to-back stretch. Williams and Alvarado threw punches at each other, resulting in both of them getting ejected.
According to the league, both players will face suspensions for their actions on the court. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Alvarado will face a two-game suspension for throwing and landing a punch on the Suns’ center. Williams, on the other hand, will have a one-game suspension for his involvement.
“The NBA is suspending New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado for two games and Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams for one game after their fight Saturday night, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported.
The NBA is suspending New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado for two games and Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams for one game after their fight Saturday night, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 29, 2025
It happened late in the third quarter. Williams gave Suns guard Collin Gillespie a screen at the top of the key. Alvarado pushed the big man to fight off the screen. The center wanted to have the final push, which triggered the point guard.
The two confronted each other, and Alvarado threw the first punch. Both players were held back by their respective teams and were ejected shortly.
NBA fans react to Alvarado’s and Williams’ suspensions
NBA fans were shocked to see the fight between the two players. They were even more surprised by how the league acted on it. After learning about how the players were punished, fans revealed their thoughts.
“So starting a fight, connecting on the punches and only 2 games suspension?” a fan said. “WOW.”
“Figured as much. Alvarado should probably get more since he started it for nk reason,” another fan commented.
“They are suspending Mark for defending himself? wtf lol,” one fan said.
They are suspending Mark for defending himself? wtf lol
— Daniel M. (@d_metz13) December 29, 2025
“Mark Williams got suspended for landing 0 hits and getting smacked😭😭😭😭😭” someone commented.
“Mark getting suspended for getting stole on is wild 💀” a comment read.
“Alvarado getting 2 games for a fight is the most Alvarado thing ever. He’s really the ‘final boss’ of pests. We need the footage IMMEDIATELY. 🎥😤” a fan commented.
The NBA discourages fights of any kind during games. Issuing suspensions to Williams and Alvarado is the league’s way of sending a message.
