Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler and New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall received one-game suspensions without pay for their involvement in an on-court altercation during the Heat’s recent win over the Pelicans. The NBA announced the disciplinary action, which was enforced by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations.
Additionally, Heat center Thomas Bryant and Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado faced three-game suspensions without pay for leaving the bench area during the altercation and engaging in a physical altercation themselves. Heat forward Nikola Jović received a one-game suspension without pay for leaving the bench area and entering the on-court altercation.
The incident unfolded after a foul by Miami’s Kevin Love on New Orleans’ Zion Williamson in the fourth quarter. Butler and Marshall initiated a physical altercation, leading to further fighting between Alvarado and Bryant. As a result, Alvarado, Bryant, Butler, and Marshall were ejected from the game after receiving technical fouls.
Alvarado will begin serving his suspension during the New Orleans Pelicans’ game against the Chicago Bulls, while Marshall’s suspension also takes effect immediately. Bryant’s suspension begins on Monday, Feb. 26, coinciding with the Heat’s game against the Sacramento Kings. Butler and Jović will also serve their suspensions starting from that game.
