The NBA suspended Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall for four games and Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic for three games for their roles in an on-court fight during Friday night’s game.

Dallas forward PJ Washington was suspended for one game. The suspensions imposed Saturday are without pay.

Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said before Saturday’s game against the Golden State Warriors that he accepted the league’s decision.

“We want to support Nurk in every way possible,” said Budenholzer. “He’s a great teammate.”

Nurkic was called for an offensive foul with 9:02 left in the third quarter when he was blocked by Daniel Gafford before the altercation quickly escalated. Nurkic confronted Marshall before striking his head with an open hand, to which Marshall responded with a punch. Washington quickly pushed Nurkic to the ground before the teams were separated.

All three were ejected from the game. The Mavericks won 98-89.

The NBA said Marshall “attempted to engage in further hostile attacks on Nurkic in the hallway outside the locker rooms.”

“You never want these things to even escalate to the point where it’s likely to happen, and worrying about an ongoing situation is not good for anyone,” Budenholzer said, referring to Marshall’s actions.

“I think we all need to be aware of how our arenas are set up and just do our best to keep our players – when emotions are so high – we try to get them to a good, safe place ” he said later added.

Marshall and Washington sat out Saturday’s game against the Trail Blazers. Nurkic’s suspension also began Saturday when the Suns faced the Warriors. The Mavs are also without Luka Doncic (left calf strain), Dante Exum (wrist surgery) and Dereck Lively II (left hip contusion).

Mavs coach Jason Kidd said after Friday’s game that the players were “just protecting each other.”

“It is appropriate that we follow the league’s guidelines,” he said on Saturday evening in response to the suspensions. “When it’s time for the next two, we’ll move on.”

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.