Suspensions issued for both players involved in fight at mid court.
On Saturday December 27th, 2025, the Phoenix Suns came into New Orleans as the second game of back-to-back games verse the Pelicans. The first game was filled with physicality and frustrations ran high, was only normal that these same emotions and style of play carried over to the next game.
It was mid-way through the third quarter when Mark Williams went to set a pick at mid court. Jose Alvarado went to go around the pick when the two made contact. The whistle blew calling the foul but that did not end the communication between the players.
Jose Alvarado was very upset at the seven-foot center Mark Williams and started to push and shove. Both players than started to grab each other's jersey's when Alvarado started to throw punches up at Williams face.
When Alvarado Connected with Williams face, Mark Williams started to swing back but did not appear to connect with Alvarado. This piece of information was used by the NBA to make their decision with the suspensions.
Jose Alvarado was handed a two-game suspension without pay for his role in the on-court altercation.
The reasoning was he threw punches during the altercation that also connected with Phoenix Suns player Mark Williams.
Alvarado will miss the December 29th game when playing the Knicks as well as the December 31st game visiting the Bulls.
For the Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams, he was suspended only one game without pay for his role in the altercation that took place at the Smoothie King Center. Williams will miss the Suns game on December 29, against the Wizards.
The NBA viewed it as Alvarado escalating the situation as well as connecting punches. Both were ejected from the game and assessed technical fouls.