• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 4, 2025

Holiday Hostility: NBA Fights Lead to Suspensions, Costly Fines

Two major altercations in the NBA over the weekend resulted in multiple ejections.

Erik Williams-Imagn Images

It may be the holiday season, but there’s some hostile energy floating around the NBA. Two fights resulted in multiple ejections and suspensions during the final weekend of the calendar year. 

The first occurred during Friday’s game between the Mavericks and Suns when Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkić struck Mavericks forward Naji Marshall on the head. Marshall threw a punch back that hit Nurkić in the face. Marshall was suspended four games without pay as according to the NBA, he “attempted to further engage Nurkić in a hostile manner” outside the locker rooms. Nurkić received a three-game suspension, while Dallas forward P.J. Washington was suspended one game for escalating the on-court altercation.

Two days later, six players and coaches were ejected in the final minute of the game between the Rockets and Heat following an altercation between Houston’s Amen Thompson and Miami’s Tyler Herro. Thompson grabbed Herro by his jersey and threw him to the ground, which referee Marc Davis described as a “body slam.” Players and coaches then rushed to the scene, which led to ejections for Thompson and Herro, Rockets guard Jalen Green, head coach Ime Udoka, assistant coach Ben Sullivan; and Heat guard Terry Rozier. The NBA has yet to announce any suspensions for the incident.

The NBA has cracked down on fighting over the last few decades—especially since the infamous Malice at the Place in 2004—but these incidents aren’t exactly rare. The NBA PR tracks all the league’s suspensions, and there have been five other incidents of suspensions due to physical altercations this calendar year, including Joel Embiid from earlier this season after he shoved a media member. The fact the latest two incidents were just two days apart is likely nothing more than a coincidence.

According to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, a suspension of fewer than 20 games results in a reduction of 1/145th of a player’s salary per game (1/110th if the suspension were more than 20 games). Nurkić’s three-game suspension results in a loss of $375,000 from his $18.13 million salary, while Marshall will lose about $236,500 and Washington about $107,000. 

While it’s unclear if there will be any suspensions from the Rockets–Heat game, a potential suspension would cost around $200,000 per game for Herro and $64,000 for Thompson.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.

Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz Put on Paid Leave Amid MLB Probe

Reports say the investigation is tied to gambling.

Everything You Need to Know About EA’s Return to College Basketball Video..

There hasn’t been a college basketball game in more than 15 years.
opinion

Caitlin Clark’s Media Supporters Pushing Harder Against Slights

Dick Vitale, Colin Cowherd, and others are accusing other WNBA players of jealousy.
Sophie Cunningham

WNBA Expansion Decisions Show League Prioritizes North, NBA Ties

One player ripped the league for its geographic choices.

Featured Today

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
Michael Johnson

Grand Slam Track Still Owes Athletes $13 Million: Source

The new track league hasn’t paid athletes in full yet.
exclusive
July 2, 2025

PGA Tour Slashes FedEx Cup Winner Pay From $25M to $10M

The FedExCup is reworking how it distributes its bonus money.
July 2, 2025

NHL to Rejoin Olympic Ice in Milan—and NBC Set to Cash In

NHL players last competed in the Olympics in 2014.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Red Panda
July 2, 2025

Red Panda Hospitalized After WNBA Halftime Fall

The beloved performer was taken off the court in a wheelchair.
July 1, 2025

WNBA Roster Limits Under Fire After Vanloo’s Valkyries Release

Kaitlyn Chen remains on the Valkyries roster.
July 1, 2025

LIV Golf CEO Pushes Back On PGA Tour Merger

Scott O’Neil said there could be new opportunities for the Tour’s players.
July 1, 2025

New Philadelphia Arena Was Key to City’s Successful WNBA Bid

The forthcoming team will play in a new arena in South Philadelphia.