Heat forward Jimmy Butler was one of five players suspended for a brawl over the brawl in Miami against the New Orleans Pelicans last Friday.
The NBA announced a one-game suspension for Butler and Pelicans forward Naji Marshall for "inciting and participating in an on-court altercation" during the game.
Heat center Thomas Bryant and Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado have been suspended for three games for leaving the bench area "during an argument and fight" on the court, the league said. And Heat forward Nikola Jovic has been suspended for one game for leaving the bench area during a brawl and will lose his salary.
The altercation occurred in the fourth quarter when the Heat's Kevin Love fouled Pelicans star Zion Williamson while attempting a layup, causing Williamson to fall to the ground. Subsequently, a fierce quarrel began between the two teams.
Subsequently, Marshall and Butler got tangled up after several attempts to chase each other and had to be separated. At one point, Marshall appeared to choke Butler by the neck before the players were pulled away.
When the two teams separated, Bryant and Alvarado appeared to get into a physical altercation in front of the scoreboard, angering both sides again. During the initial altercation, both Alvarado and Bryant were on the bench.
The referees ejected Butler, Kobe, Marshall, and Alvarado from the game. Despite losing their top scorer Butler in the brawl, the Heat won 106-95.
I think it's two competitive teams that want to win," Pelicans head coach Willie Green said. "Sometimes, you get something like that. ”
Williamson said he was "not confused by K Love." He protected me when I fell. ”
Marshall will face a three-game suspension for Sunday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. Butler and Jovic will miss Monday's game against the Sacramento Kings, while Bryant will begin a three-game suspension that same night.
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