P.J. Washington was also involved, shoving Nurkic during the melee. Nurkic, Marshall and Washington were ejected after the scuffle. After the game, a few Mavericks took a similar tone while discussing the matter, playing up the theme of protecting each other’s teammates.

Specifically, Suns center Jusuf Nurkic and Mavs wing Naji Marshall threw actual blows. Well, Nurkic's was more of a slap, though it still far exceeded the standard of what we refer to as a "fight" in NBA parlance.

Friday was fight night between the Suns and Mavericks. Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic and Dallas wing Naji Marshall forward/guard came to blows and were ejected during the Mavericks’ 98-89 win at Footprint Center.