NEW YORK (AFP) — The National Basketball Association slapped Phoenix Suns Steve Nash with a suspension and fined teammate Shaquille O'Neal and Houston's Tracy McGrady for their roles in a shoving match on Wednesday.
Phoenix player Matt Barnes was also suspended two games while Nash was given a one-game ban for their actions in a 94-82 loss to the Rockets. O'Neal was fined 35,000 dollars.
Rockets player Rafer Alston was suspended two games and McGrady was hit with a 25,000 dollar penalty.
Canada's Nash was cited by the league's disciplinary officials on Friday for "escalating the altercation." He and Barnes will miss Friday's game at Sacramento, and Barnes will also sit out Sunday's match against Detroit.
Alston will miss games Friday against San Antonio and Saturday against New Orleans. Barnes and Alston were handed game misconducts after a pushing match late in the third quarter.
Barnes shoved Alston, who was attempting to set a pick. After McGrady hit a basket, Alston went aggressively at Barnes.
Nash came in to help his teammate and McGrady pushed the Suns' superstar guard to the floor. Suns' giant centre O'Neal then reached in and pushed the entire group to the floor. "That's what I do, move piles," O'Neal said.
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