The following release has been sent out by the NBA following Friday's game against the Miami Heat.
NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2024 - Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler and New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall have each been suspended one game without pay for instigating and engaging in on-court altercation during the Heat's 106-95 victory over the Pelicans on Feb. 23 at the Smoothie King Center, it was announced by Joe Dumars, executive vice president, head of basketball operations.
Additionally, Heat center Thomas Bryant and Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado have each been suspended three games without pay for leaving the bench area during an on-court altercation and fighting. Heat forward Nikola Jović has been suspended one game without pay for leaving the bench area and entering an on-court altercation.
The incident began when Miami's Kevin Love committed a foul on New Orleans' Zion Williamson with 11:19 remaining in the fourth quarter. Following that foul, Butler and Marshall engaged in a physical altercation and then Alvarado and Bryant began fighting. For their roles, Alvarado, Bryant, Butler, and Marshall were assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game.
Alvarado will begin serving his suspension tonight when New Orleans hosts the Chicago Bulls. Marshall will also serve his suspension tonight. Bryant will begin serving his suspension on Monday, Feb. 26 when the Heat visit the Sacramento Kings. Butler and Jović will also serve their suspensions that night.