Punch-ups are rare in modern NBA basketball, but a heated clash between the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns has sparked debate across the league, and now Jordan Clarkson has weighed in, firmly backing suspended Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado.
The incident, which took place over the weekend, has led to suspensions, strong player reactions, and renewed discussion around physicality in the NBA.
What exactly happened during the Pelicans vs Suns fight?
The flashpoint came in the third quarter of Saturday’s game, which the Suns won 123–114.
- Suns centre Mark Williams lightly shoved Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado
- The two became tangled
- Williams threw the first punch but missed
- Alvarado responded with a right-hand punch that landed
Mark Williams and Jose Alvarado have both been EJECTED following this altercation.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 28, 2025
Officials quickly stepped in, and both players were ejected. The NBA later confirmed disciplinary action after reviewing the footage.
What suspensions did the NBA hand out?
Following the league’s post-game review:
| Player | Team | Suspension | Games Missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jose Alvarado | New Orleans Pelicans | 2 games | Including vs New York Knicks |
| Mark Williams | Phoenix Suns | 1 game | Next scheduled game |
The NBA cited escalation of physical contact and throwing punches as reasons for the bans.
Why did Jordan Clarkson defend Jose Alvarado?
Jordan Clarkson, the Utah Jazz guard and former Sixth Man of the Year, publicly supported Alvarado, arguing the reaction was consistent with how the guard has always played.
Jordan Clarkson: “I feel like that’s [Alvarado’s] MO. Small guy, guys try to do that since he’s been in the league, and he’s always held his own, being aggressive. He’s made his mark in this league, and I think he did what was right.”
Clarkson’s comments highlight a wider belief among players that smaller guards often feel forced to stand their ground physically in a league dominated by size and strength.
Was this fight caused by built-up tension?
Many believe so. This was the second game of a back-to-back mini-series between the Suns and Pelicans, a format the NBA increasingly uses to cut travel, but one that can raise tempers.
Suns forward Mikal Bridges acknowledged the tension openly.“I think it’s a lot of built-up tension. That’s what happens when you put those two games together like a mini playoff series.”
He also admitted Alvarado’s absence would benefit Phoenix. “No Jose against us, so that helps.”
How common are fights like this in today’s NBA?
Compared to previous decades, NBA brawls are now extremely rare.
- The league enforces strict suspension rules
- Players face fines and reputation damage
- Officials intervene quickly at the first sign of escalation
According to NBA disciplinary data from recent seasons, multi-game suspensions for fighting occur fewer than five times per season, showing how unusual the incident was.
Why does this matter beyond one game?
This clash highlights three ongoing NBA issues:
- Player safety in a faster, more physical modern game
- The impact of back-to-back fixtures on emotions and fatigue
- Unwritten rules around respect, retaliation, and self-defence
For guards like Alvarado, listed at 6ft and giving up size nightly, physical responses are sometimes seen by players as survival rather than aggression.
