Ever since the Mavericks stunned the Suns in the 2022 playoffs, the two teams have shared a palpable disdain for one another.
The latest chapter in their rivalry unfolded Friday, even with the two main actors — Luka Doncic and Devin Booker — sidelined with injuries.
With 9:02 left in the third quarter of Dallas’ 98-89 victory, Suns center Jusuf Nurkic got into a tussle with Mavericks wings Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington, leading to all three players being ejected.
The brawl escalated after Nurkic was called for an offensive foul while guarded by Mavs big man Daniel Gafford. Just as Gafford fell to the floor, Marshall confronted Nurkic, who took an open-handed swing at the Mavericks forward. Once Marshall responded with a punch of his own, Washington stepped in and shoved Nurkic to the ground. The teams had to be separated by officials and coaches.
