Jimmy Butler Suspended For Heat-Kings Game
On Friday evening, there was a big scuffle during the fourth quarter of the Miami Heat's 106-95 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jimmy Butler, Thomas Bryant, Jose Alvarado and Naji Marshall were all ejected.
On Sunday, the NBA announced that all four players (and Nikola Jovic) have been suspended.
Via NBA Communications: "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 an on-court altercation during the Heat's 106-95 victory over the Pelicans on Feb. 23 at Smoothie King Center, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
Additionally, Heat center Thomas Bryant and Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado have each been suspend three games without pay for leaving the bench during an on-court altercation and fighting. Heat forward Nikola Jovic has been suspended one game without pay for leaving the bench area and entering an on-court altercation."
The Heat will play the Sacramento Kings on Monday evening in California.
Butler is the best player out of everyone suspended, as the six-time NBA All-Star is averaging 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 50.2% from the field and 44.7% from the three-point range in 38 games.
The Heat are the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 31-25 record in 56 games.
They are in the middle of a three-game winning streak and are 7-3 over their last ten games.
Following the Kings, the Heat will remain on the road and travel to Oregon for a matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday evening.
