WATCH: Naji Marshall chokes Jimmy Butler initiating massive scuffle leading to 4 ejections and fan getting thrown out
Jimmy Butler and Naji Marshall had a scuffle in the fourth quarter of the game between the Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. The two teams have been going at it in a tight contest for most of the night. Players from both camps have been exchanging trash talk and cheap shots on more than a few occasions in the matchup.
Early in the final period, the tension finally reached a boiling point. After Kevin Love put Zion Williamson to the ground with a hard foul, Marshall ran toward Love and shoved him. Butler responded by pushing the Pelicans forward away and putting his hands on Marshall’s chest.
Marshall didn’t hold back and grabbed the reigning Eastern Conference Finals MVP's throat:
The skirmish didn’t end despite officials separating Naji Marshall from Jimmy Butler. Near the officials' table, Thomas Bryant and Nikola Jovic went at it with Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado. “GTA” and Bryant ended up throwing punches, forcing the coaching staff from both sides to rush in and separate the two.
Miami had a fast start behind Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro. The Heat led by as many as 19 in the second quarter before the New Orleans Pelicans came roaring back. Zion Williamson, Herb Jones and Jordan Hawkins combined to force a 58-58 tie leading into the second half.
The Heat maintained the lead but the Pelicans, who were playing the second game of a back-to-back set, refused to go away.
The Heat will try to beat the Pelicans on the road without the ejected Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler, Naji Marshall, Jose Alvarado and Thomas Bryant were thrown out of the game. The Heat, which were already without Terry Rozier and Josh Richardson, will try to win on the road without their best player.
Butler played 23 minutes and amassed 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block. Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Duncan Robinson and Kevin Love will have to step up on both ends of the floor to try and walk away with the win.