NBA news: Pelicans and Suns players brawl during the game

An NBA game between the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday turned into fight night.

In the third quarter, Suns center Mark Williams tried to get into position to set a screen on Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado while Phoenix’s Collin Gillespie tried to get around him. Alvarado used both hands to try to push Williams out of his way, but was cautioned for a foul.

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New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, left, and Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) get into a scrum during the third quarter before both are ejected during an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthieu Hinton)

Alvarado complained and then addressed Williams directly to his face after the center gave him a light push. The two then tangled with Alvarado connecting on a right hook. Williams also took her share of shots from scrimmage.

Players from both teams ended the feud. Alvarado and Williams were ejected from the match.

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Phoenix won the game 123-114, improving to 18-13 on the season. Williams finished with 10 points in 11 minutes and grabbed eight rebounds. Devin Booker led the Suns with 20 points on 6 of 18 from the field.

New Orleans fell to 8-25 with the loss. Alvarado had seven points and two steals in 14 minutes. Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 24 points on 6 of 12 from the field. He made six 3-pointers in the game. Derik Queen added 21 points.

New Orleans Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego is held by his assistant coaches as he discusses a call during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns in New Orleans, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthieu Hinton)

The Suns will remain on the road to face the Washington Wizards on Monday night.

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The Pelicans welcome the New York Knicks to town on Monday night.