NEW ORLEANS — Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams’ scuffle with New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado on Saturday had more consequences attached.
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Dec 27, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) gets into a scrum with Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) over a play during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Suns’ center has been suspended for one game, which will cause him to miss Monday’s matchup against the Washington Wizards.
The incident occurred late in the third quarter when Alvarado grabbed Williams’ jersey and the two began exchanging punches after a missed shot. Other teammates became involved, though players from both sides were primarily trying to separate the two.
Dec 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) blocks the shot of New Orleans Pelicans guard Saddiq Bey (41) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Both players were assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game. Alvarado was also suspended for two games.
The suspension has angered some fans, who claim Williams was simply protecting himself and that Alvarado’s punishment was too light given his role in the altercation.
It’s criminal that Mark Williams is getting ANY suspension. Williams had no intention of fighting. He was putting his hands up trying not to fight as Alvarado went nuts when he’s the one who started it. Alvarado also threw a sucker-punch while Williams was just trying to get free https://t.co/n8xfjXlEvZ
— Anthony DeFalco (@addefalco) December 29, 2025
I don’t know what is more absurd.. Avacado only gets 2, or Williams gets 1 for defending himself.@NBA officials and execs have no clue c what they are doing. https://t.co/8jDxWc3bNj
— Steven McCollum (@smac500) December 29, 2025
Mark williams isn’t innocent, but ejection was enough of a punishment. If someone grabs your jersey and starts swinging at you you’re supposed to just take it? @NBA stupid suspension. NBA has to have some common sense, and this was all alvarado. https://t.co/WN2UHps6Pn
— David Hubbard (@masquesoplease) December 29, 2025
While the suspension will not keep Williams out for long, it still throws a wrench into the Suns’ plans for Monday. Phoenix has leaned on Williams to protect the rim and control the paint when opponents attack downhill.
The Suns’ center is averaging 8.2 rebounds per game, leading the team in that category.
Williams won’t be gone for long, but in a competitive Western Conference, every game matters. Sitting at 18-13, the Suns are seventh in the conference and could continue climbing up against a struggling Washington team. Without one of its key centers, Phoenix will need to step up on the glass in his absence.
Dec 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) shoots against New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The Suns and Wizards tip off on Monday, Dec. 29, at 5 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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