A heated NBA altercation between Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado and Suns centre Mark Williams has seen both ejected from a game after fists flew.
Williams set a screen on Alvarado in the third quarter of the match on Sunday AEDT, with the New Orleans player called for a foul after pushing off to create space.
As he then moved towards the referee to complain about the foul call, the Phoenix big-man shoved him back, sparking the scuffle.
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Jose Alvarado punches Mark Williams. Twitter
Alvarado, who stands 33cm shorter than Williams at 183cm, got in his face and grabbed his jersey before the pair went at it.
Fists flew in both directions, though the Pelicans guard clearly landed one on the face his rival and was the primary aggressor.
Teammates quickly moved in to separate the pair before it could escalate any further.
“Come on guys … didn’t need it,” the New Orleans broadcaster said in the aftermath.
Former NBA star Eddie Johnson posted his disappointment to social media, saying Williams had every right to defend himself in the situation.
“This is straight up a joke and cop out by officials. What was Mark Williams to do with a player swinging at him?” he posted.
“He held back because he did not want to get kicked out. We all know he could have hurt Jose Alvarado.”
Before the referees could even formally eject Alvarado from the game, he sprinted off the court and down the tunnel towards the players’ race. A team official could be seen running after him.
A frustrated Williams remained on the court before being ejected and sent to the locker room himself.
Teammates separate both players. Twitter
The NBA will likely take further disciplinary measures in the coming days, with short suspensions and fines both possible.
The Suns ended up winning the game 123-114. Their second win over the Pelicans in as many days.
Star guard Devin Booker top scored for Phoenix with 20, while Dillon Brooks scored 18.
Williams had 10 points and eight rebounds before the ejection.
Trey Murphy finished with 24 points for New Orleans, while star forward Zion Williamson scored 22 himself in the loss.
Alvarado, known for his defence, had seven points and two steals before being tossed out of the contest.
The win moves the Suns to 18-13 on the season, sitting seventh in the Western Conference, while New Orleans languishes in last place, with a record of 8-25.