The Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks faced off at the Footprint Center on Friday. However, the game took a chaotic turn in the third quarter when a heated altercation led to multiple ejections. The incident began when Suns center Jusuf Nurkic was called for an offensive foul. Following the call, tensions escalated as Nurkic and Mavericks forward Naji Marshall exchanged words that quickly turned physical.
The confrontation intensified within seconds, and both players started throwing punches. Their heated exchange prompted teammates and referees to intervene to separate them. As the situation proceeded, Mavericks forward P.J. Washington also became involved.
JUSUF NURKIC VS. NAJI MARSHALL
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 28, 2024
pic.twitter.com/pSn3kzvABZ
Washington was clearly unable to contain his frustration and shoved Nurkic to the floor. This action led to Washington being ejected alongside Nurkic and Marshall for their roles in the altercation.
Fans React To Jusuf Nurkic And Naji Marshall’s Altercation
NBA fans are no strangers to heated altercations and ejections, and Friday’s clash between the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks was no exception. The third-quarter scuffle between Jusuf Nurkic and Naji Marshall quickly became the talk of the game, igniting spirited reactions from fans across social media.
Many fans were quick to criticize Nurkic, blaming him for initiating the conflict by striking Marshall. Some fans also joked that this is what the NBA is waiting to hear.
Yo Nurk smacked ts outta him💀
— ChoZen (@Chozenboii) December 28, 2024
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THIS IS WHAT THE NBA NEEDS
— Max Stallworth (@masterbaitur69) December 28, 2024
NBA coming back…
— Lord Charles (@ITYS589) December 28, 2024
Some took a more lighthearted approach, humorously dragging Draymond Green into the conversation. Green became a focal point for fans joking that Marshall might have picked up the habit of confrontations from watching the Golden State star.
Nurkic Learned well from Draymond😭 pic.twitter.com/eZ7jvy8NXz
— BIGMEM12 (@BIGMEM12) December 28, 2024
Nurkic with the full experience.💀 pic.twitter.com/l811M3dR0G
— DailyDope (@DailyDope7) December 28, 2024
Despite the drama, the Mavericks secured a 98-89 victory. The ejections, however, left a significant mark on the game.
Nurkic’s stat line before his exit included three points, five rebounds, two assists, and a block. Marshall contributed four points, three rebounds, and two assists, while P.J. Washington managed seven points, three rebounds, and two assists in 20 minutes of action.
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