Jusuf Nurkic and Naji Marshall ejected after intense fight in the game

In the United States, tensions escalated during an NBA game on December 27, 2024, between the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks in Arizona. The conflict began when Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić was called for an offensive foul at the 9:02 mark in the second quarter, resulting in a confrontation with Mavericks forward Naji Marshall. The situation quickly deteriorated as Marshall reacted aggressively, leading to a physical altercation that involved Nurkić muscling Marshall's head and Marshall retaliating with a punch. The incident escalated further when Mavericks forward P.J. Washington shoved Nurkić to the ground, prompting referees to intervene. After reviewing the footage of the altercation, referees decided to eject Nurkić, Marshall, and Washington from the game. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd later commented on the ejection, emphasizing that the players were merely looking out for each other, stating, "They were protecting each other." He acknowledged that emotions can run high in competitive sports, and his team's actions reflected their protective instincts during intense moments on the court. The NBA has not yet announced whether any of the ejected players will face additional penalties beyond the immediate expulsion. Following the ejection, Naji Marshall, who had recently stepped into the starting lineup due to the injury of star player Luka Dončić, was particularly noted for his physical playing style, which some fans appreciated. The Mavericks managed to secure a 98-89 victory despite the brawl and the absence of Dončić, who is expected to be sidelined for a month due to a calf strain. The altercation has raised concerns among players and coaches about the conduct in professional sports. Both head coaches expressed their disapproval of the situation while acknowledging the high emotions of professional basketball. Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer remarked that such altercations are detrimental to the team and the league. This incident highlights ongoing discussions about player conduct and the measures necessary to ensure that games remain competitive without devolving into violence. The incident marks a significant point in the season, given the stakes involved for both teams as they compete for playoff positioning in the NBA.