The Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to three games on Saturday night, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans for the second straight game.
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Considering the two teams played each other on both Friday and Saturday, tempers flared between the two sides.
In the third quarter, after Suns center Mark Williams set a screen on José Alvarado, a foul was called. After the play, Alvarado turned to Williams and started doing it.
A punch was thrown by Alvarado, with both players being ejected from the game. On Sunday night, the NBA handed out punishments to both players.
José Alvarado was suspended for two games, while Mark Williams received a one-game suspension. It has not yet been announced whether Williams or Alvarado will file an appeal to have their suspension shortened or overturned.
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No other players were suspended.
If Williams does not appeal his suspension, he would miss the Suns’ next matchup against the Washington Wizards on Monday.
With four centers on their roster, the Suns will have plenty of options if Williams’ suspension is confirmed. In addition to Williams, Phoenix could use Oso Ighodaro, Nick Richards and rookie Khaman Maluach in the frontcourt.
Given Washington’s record (second-worst in the league), Williams may be advised to accept his suspension. If he were to appeal and be denied, he could miss a much more difficult matchup like Wednesday’s against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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After matchups against Washington and Cleveland, Phoenix will face the Sacramento Kings on Friday and the Oklahoma City Thunder next Sunday.