When Frustration Boils Over
The Smoothie King Center became a boxing ring Saturday night. Late in the third quarter, with Phoenix leading, the tension that had been building between the Suns and Pelicans finally exploded.
Jose Alvarado (6-foot) and Mark Williams (7-foot-1)—13 inches of height difference—exchanged actual punches. Not shoves. Not posturing. Real punches.
The catalyst? A foul call on Alvarado as he tried to fight through a Williams screen while chasing Collin Gillespie, who had just nailed his fifth consecutive three-pointer. Alvarado pushed Williams. Williams shoved back. Then all hell broke loose.
They Both Connected
"I saw it start, and then all of a sudden everyone jumped in," Suns coach Jordan Ott said after the game. "Obviously, it happens. It just feels like the lack of sleep, the second night of a back-to-back. Something always tends to happen."
Alvarado landed a right hook that knocked Williams' headband loose. Williams fired back. Both were separated by teammates and ejected after video review. The NBA will likely announce suspensions in the coming days.
Williams, playing his first back-to-back of the season, departed with 10 points and 8 rebounds in 11 minutes. Alvarado left with 7 points and 3 assists.
Phoenix Gets the Sweep
Despite the chaos, the Suns held on for a 123-114 victory, completing a two-game sweep in New Orleans.
Devin Booker led Phoenix with 20 points. Dillon Brooks added 18, and Collin Gillespie finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Oso Ighodaro stepped up in Williams' absence: 8 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes.
"Yesterday was a dog fight, and today was a dog fight," forward Royce O'Neale said. "It took everybody to get this win."
This Isn't New for Alvarado
Jose Alvarado has history. Remember his clashes with Chris Paul during the 2022 Suns-Pelicans playoff series? Even without CP3 on the roster, the bad blood persists.
Neither Williams nor Alvarado spoke to reporters after the game. Pelicans coach James Borrego declined to comment on the incident.
Phoenix (18-13) has now won four of five. New Orleans continues to sink. But at least nobody can accuse this matchup of lacking intensity.