The NBA suspended Steve Nash and Matt Barnes of the Phoenix Suns and Rafer Alston of the Houston Rockets yesterday for a melee in a midweek game.
Alston and Barnes were suspended for two games without pay and Nash for one. The league also fined Shaquille O'Neal US$35,000 (27,600 euros) and Tracy McGrady US$25,000 (19,700 euros) on Friday for their actions during the Rockets' 94-82 win in Phoenix on Wednesday.
Barnes knocked back Alston with his shoulder late in the third quarter, and Alston charged him. Nash ran in and was pushed back by McGrady, who was shoved down by O'Neal.
Nash was cited for "escalating the altercation." He and Barnes will miss Friday's game at Sacramento, and Barnes will sit out on Sunday against Detroit. Alston will miss games on Friday against San Antonio and on Saturday against New Orleans.
(Agencies via Shanghai DailyNovember 15, 2008)