Dallas Mavericks forwards Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington will miss Saturday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers after the NBA suspended the pair for their roles in an on-court altercation Friday night against the Phoenix Suns.
The NBA suspended Marshall four games without pay and Washington one game without pay.
The altercation occurred at the 9:02 mark of the third quarter of the Mavs’ 98-89 win over the Suns in Phoenix. It involved old Blazers buddy Jusuf Nurkic, now the center for the Suns, who was suspended three games — also without pay — for his contributions to the altercation.
The NBA announced the suspensions in a press release Saturday, including this description of the event:
The incident … began after Nurkic committed an offensive foul. Marshall and Nurkic then engaged in an on-court altercation. Nurkic escalated it by swinging his arm and striking Marshall on top of his head. Marshall responded by throwing a punch that connected with Nurkic’s face. As the officials and other players attempted to diffuse the situation, Washington further escalated the altercation by shoving Nurkic to the floor.
The release said Marshall also attempted to “further engage Nurkic in a hostile manner in the corridor outside the locker rooms.”
The Mavs were already slated to play the Blazers Saturday without superstar Luka Doncic and guard Dante Exum. Now they’ll have to do without Marshall and Washington.
In 26 games this season, including eight starts, Marshall has averaged 10.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists. In 25 games this season, including 24 starts, Washington has averaged 12.2 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 39.4% on 3s.
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