Suns Center Jusuf Nurkic Suspended for Mavericks Altercation

The Phoenix Suns will not have Jusuf Nurkic for the next three games.

Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) walks off the court after being punched by Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (not pictured) at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic has been suspended three games without pay for his involvement in an altercation with Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall in last night's action at Footprint Center.

A statement from the NBA:

"Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall has been suspended four games without pay and Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic has been suspended three games without pay for their involvement in an on-court altercation, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.

"In addition, Mavericks forward P.J. Washington has been suspended one game without pay for escalating the on-court altercation.

"The incident, which occured with 9:02 remaining in the third quarter of the Mavericks' 98-89 win over the Suns at Footprint Center on December 28, began after Nurkic committed an offensive foul. Marshall and Nurkic then engaged in an on-court altercation. Nurkic escalated it by swinging his arm and striking Marshall on top of his head. Marshall responded by throwing a punch that connected with Nurkic's face. As the officials and other players attempted to diffuse the situation, Washington further escalated the altercation by shoving Nurkic to the floor. For their roles, Marshall, Nurkic and Washington were assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game.

"Following the on-court incident, Marshall attempted to further engage Nurkic in a hostile manner in the corridor outside the locker rooms.

"Marshall will begin serving his four-game suspension and Washington will serve his one-game suspension tonight when the Mavericks visit the Portland Trail Blazers. Nurkic will also begin his three game suspension tonight when the Suns visit the Golden State Warriors."

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/LM3YA6ntXW

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 28, 2024

You can read more about the altercation here.

Nurkic will miss tonight's game against the Golden State Warriors, Tuesday Dec. 31 against the Memphis Grizzlies and Saturday Jan. 4 against the Indiana Pacers.