The Miami Heat return from the All-Star break to take on the New Orleans Pelicans tonight. Both teams are fully rested and looking to strengthen their playoff position. The competitiveness of both teams was evident when a brawl broke out early in the fourth quarter.
Naji Marshall of the Pelicans strangled Jimmy Butler during the scuffle. Heat and Pelicans players got into an argument that resulted in four players and several fans being ejected.
With just 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Jimmy Butler grabbed a rebound and started dribbling on the floor. Zion Williamson waited near the basket, stole the ball from Butler and tried to tie the game. Kevin Love grabbed Williamson, causing the Pelicans superstar to fall to the floor. Naji Marshall came to support his fallen teammate and pushed Love.
Butler noticed this, pushed Marshall aside and a scuffle ensued between the two. Marshall then strangled Butler with his right hand, resulting in a fight between the two parties.
The video of the fight showed that Jimmy Butler may have lured Marshall by putting his hand on Marshall’s neck to strangle him. They had to be separated by teammates and staff. However, the referees saw that Marshall was choking. Marshall and Butler were ejected.
As the fight continued, Thomas Bryant and Jose Alvarado were caught punching each other. Some fans were caught throwing objects at the player. As a result, they were all ejected. The NBA may look into the matter seriously and serious reprimands may be issued.
Heat-Pelicans brawl and close playoff game:
The New Orleans Pelicans and Miami Heat need to win enough games to clinch a playoff spot. Both teams need to win their games against playoff teams with the strongest rosters to be able to make concessions against the other. Therefore, the first two quarters went to one or the other team, resulting in a scoreless draw at half-time.
Then, in the fourth quarter, the Heat started to gain a slight advantage. Williamson knew he had to score on that steal, but Heat players Love and Butler had to stop him. The intention to instil fear in the opponent worked perfectly for the Heat in this game. Despite Butler being ejected for the ejection, the Heat won 106-95.
Naji Marshall choking Jimmy Butler was the highlight of the Heat-Pelicans brawl. However, tensions between the teams escalated from the first whistle. The Pelicans will travel to Miami on 22 March.