Miami Heat player Jimmy Butler is among five players suspended for their role in the on-court altercation Friday during the game with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Butler and Pelicans forward Naji Marshall were each suspended one game for “instigating and participating” in an altercation, the NBA announced Sunday.
Additionally, Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and Heat center Thomas Bryant were each suspended three games without pay for leaving the bench during the altercation and fighting. Miami forward Nikola Jovic also suspended one match for leaving the bench.
The altercation began after Pelicans forward Zion Williamson stole the ball from Butler and took a stride shot. Love shoved Williamson – who he said was trying to protect himself during the fall – at 11:19 of the fourth quarter.
Butler and Marshall had to be separated as Alvarado and Bryant ended up at the scorer’s table and started fighting after the initial scuffle ended.
Butler, Marshall, Alvarado and Bryant were ejected following the events.
The Pelicans host the Chicago Bulls on Sunday. Marshall will serve his suspension while Alvarado will miss the game against the Bulls as well as upcoming road games against the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers.
Butler and Jovic will miss Monday’s Heat game against the Sacramento Kings while Bryant will not be available for the rest of the Heat’s trip abroad, playing at Portland on Tuesday and Denver on Thursday.
2024-02-26 01:16:13
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