Mark Williams, Jose Alvarado Ejected After On-Court Altercation in New Orleans
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Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams and New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado were thrown out of Saturday night’s game after trading punches midway through the third quarter at Smoothie King Center.
The confrontation came on Dec. 27, 2025, with Phoenix leading during the back end of a home-and-home set. Alvarado, listed at 6 feet, tried to fight through a screen set by the 7-foot-1 Williams to stay with Suns sharpshooter Collin Gillespie, who had already hit his first five three-pointers. Officials whistled Alvarado for a foul when he shoved Williams, and the Suns big man immediately pushed back. Words were exchanged, the players grabbed each other, and both landed right-hand punches before coaches and teammates intervened. Referees assessed double ejections.
Phoenix went on to post a 123-114 victory, completing a two-game sweep in New Orleans.
“I saw it start, and then all of a sudden everyone jumped in,” Suns head coach Jordan Ott said. “It just feels like the lack of sleep, the second night of a back-to-back—something always tends to happen.” Ott added that he had not yet reviewed video of the incident.
Pelicans coach James Borrego also said he had not seen a replay, and neither player addressed reporters after the game.
“Yesterday was a dog fight, and today was a dog fight,” Suns forward Royce O’Neale said. “It took everybody to get this win.”
Source: ESPN
