Why Was P.J. Washington Suspended Amidst the Nurkic-Marshall Altercation?
P.J. Washington of the Dallas Mavericks has been suspended for one game following the altercation between Naji Marshall and Jusuf Nurkić during the meeting between the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns on Friday night. P.J. Washington’s involvement in the squabble was relatively minor, however, and surprisingly, the NBA made this decision. With 9:02 remaining in the third quarter, Nurkić committed an offensive foul against Daniel Gafford whilst backing into the key. Nurkić initially walks away but walks back toward Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, and Naji Marshall, who are huddled around Gafford. Nurkić initially appears to be exchanging words with the group when Marshall rests his hands on Nurkić in what looks like an attempt to ward him off. Nurkić responded by swatting Marshall’s head away, which was met with a jab from Marshall. P.J. Washington then shoved Nurkić away from the altercation, a decision that looked at least partially defensive and without much malice.
Naji Marshall and Jusuf Nurkić were rebuked with a four-game suspension and three-game suspension without pay, respectively, as well as ejections from the rest of the game. P.J. Washington was also met with an ejection, as well as a one-game suspension without pay. Although Marshall and Nurkić’s ejections and suspensions appear understandable due to the hands and fists that were thrown, it is rare for a player to be suspended due to a push that served to de-escalate the fighting. In fact, NBA players push each other all the time without being suspended, and this instance most likely would have been better suited with a mere technical and ejection.
Given that the Suns’ Nurkić escalated the situation in the first place, it is especially disappointing for the Mavericks to lose two of their players ahead of Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The situation is only more disheartening when considering the other injury woes that plague the Mavericks. This includes the loss of starter Luka Dončić for at least a month due to a calf strain. Additionally, Dereck Lively II will miss the game against the Trail Blazers due to a bruised hip.
