Kyrie Irving On Mavs-Suns Fight: ‘Maybe That Will Help Our Ratings’

December 28, 2024

The Mavericks and Suns took part in an NBA donnybrook on Friday night, with Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic and Dallas forwards Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington all being ejected for their roles.

But hey, maybe all was not lost, Mavs star Kyrie Irving told reporters, via Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic.

“Maybe that’s just the way we end 2024 where somebody actually swings in the NBA,’ Irving said. “Maybe that will help our ratings.”

Irving was joking to make a point — that the conversation around the NBA lately has been mostly about how no one is supposedly watching. It is, after all, what those who care about the league keep being told.

And per reports, NBA television ratings are indeed down close to 50 percent from last season. That said, those who do watch don’t really care.

"Throw that shit under the rug. Excuse my language."

Kyrie Irving said he'll pay fines for Naji Marshall, P.J. Washington after fight with Jusuf Nurkic.

"Maybe that's just the way we end 2024 where somebody actually swings in the NBA. Maybe that will help our ratings." #Suns pic.twitter.com/BDbvLyHkZW

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 28, 2024

As for the game, Rankin wrote that Luka Doncic and Devin Booker are usually the stars driving the drama when the Suns and Mavs meet, but even with both sidelined by injuries, the game still managed to deliver plenty of fireworks.

The Suns fell 98-89 to the Mavs before a sellout crowd of 17,071 at Footprint Center, but the night’s real action came in the third quarter — and it was far from pretty.

With 9:02 remaining in the period, tempers flared after Nurkic was called for an offensive foul while trying to back down Dallas’ Daniel Gafford. Things quickly escalated when Nurkic approached Marshall. A few words were exchanged before Nurkic slapped Marshall on the side of the head, prompting Marshall to retaliate with a punch.

Oh dam, Jusuf Nurkic and Naji Marshall was squabbling pic.twitter.com/ndaT5enri7

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) December 28, 2024

The chaos didn’t end there. As referees and security worked to separate the two, Washington entered the fray, shoving Nurkic, who was being restrained by Suns rookie Ryan Dunn.

Despite the intensity on the court, the Suns couldn’t overcome the Mavs, who managed to hold on for the win. It was an ugly moment, yes, but it also showcased the fiery intensity that can surface when rivals like these face off.

With Nurkic, Marshall, and Washington now facing suspensions or fines, this game will certainly be remembered for the extracurriculars as much as the final score.

"I don't know what it was about. I just saw a couple of punches get thrown and you hate to see that in this game because you know guys are going to get suspended maybe, lose a lot of money doing that."

Kevin Durant on Jusuf Nurkic, Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington. #Suns pic.twitter.com/rbvzk5i2BL

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 28, 2024