The New Orleans Pelicans’ tumultuous 2025-26 NBA season took another dramatic turn on Saturday night, December 27, as a heated altercation erupted during their clash with the Phoenix Suns. The game, already fraught with tension due to mounting injuries and a challenging record, saw tempers boil over in the third quarter, resulting in ejections, viral reactions, and renewed scrutiny on some of the league’s most talked-about personalities.
Let’s set the scene: The Pelicans entered the matchup at the Footprint Center in Phoenix missing key defensive stalwart Herbert Jones, who was sidelined for the third consecutive game with a right ankle sprain suffered earlier in the week against Dallas. The absence of Jones—known for his lock-down defense and hustle—forced coach Willie Green to adjust his rotation, slotting Bryce McGowens into the starting lineup. While McGowens brings energy, he’s still finding his footing in the league, and his fantasy upside remains limited, especially with Jordan Poole commanding significant minutes off the bench.
It was in this context that the game’s most memorable moment unfolded. Midway through the third quarter, New Orleans guard Jose Alvarado and Phoenix forward Mark Williams got tangled up under the basket. What started as aggressive defense quickly escalated into a full-blown scuffle. Both players exchanged punches before teammates and officials rushed in to separate them. The referees wasted little time, ejecting both Alvarado and Williams on the spot. The NBA is expected to review the incident and determine if further disciplinary action is warranted.
But the fireworks didn’t end there. As the dust settled, cameras caught Pelicans guard Jordan Poole reacting to the melee—a moment that instantly went viral on social media. NBA fans, ever quick to draw connections, couldn’t help but recall Poole’s own history with on-court altercations, most notably his infamous practice dust-up with Draymond Green during his Golden State Warriors days. The internet erupted with memes and commentary, with fans posting reactions such as, “Bro got a flashback,” and “Poole knows a good punch when he sees one.” Even without the Warriors incident as context, Poole’s expression was worth a thousand words—equal parts shock, recognition, and perhaps a touch of déjà vu.
“He’s been in that situation before,” one user quipped, as screenshots of Poole’s face made the rounds. The viral moment, captured and shared by NBA commentator Rob Perez, was just another chapter in Poole’s eventful NBA journey—a journey that has taken him from the heights of championship runs in the Bay Area to the rebuilding efforts of the Pelicans.
To understand the weight of Poole’s reaction, it’s worth revisiting his path. After being drafted by the Warriors and helping them chase another title, Poole’s tenure in Golden State was marked by both on-court brilliance and off-court drama. The altercation with Draymond Green in practice became one of the most talked-about moments in recent NBA history, especially after video footage surfaced. Despite speculation that the incident would hasten his departure, Poole finished the 2022-23 season with the Warriors, posting impressive averages of 20.4 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds.
However, the Warriors’ playoff run ended sooner than many expected, and in the summer of 2023, Poole was traded to the Washington Wizards. He spent two seasons in D.C., continuing to develop his scoring and playmaking before being dealt to New Orleans in July 2025. With the Pelicans, Poole has taken on a key bench role, averaging 17.2 points on 37 percent shooting from the field and 28 percent from three-point range, along with 3.5 assists and 1.9 rebounds heading into Saturday’s game.
Despite the individual highlights, it’s been a rough season for the Pelicans as a whole. Saturday’s 123-114 loss to the Suns dropped their record to 8-25, a mark that has fans and analysts alike questioning the team’s direction. Injuries have played a role—Herbert Jones’ ongoing absence is just the latest in a string of setbacks—but chemistry and consistency have also been elusive. The loss to Phoenix, marked by the third-quarter ejections and the viral Poole moment, felt emblematic of the team’s struggles: flashes of fight and potential, but ultimately overshadowed by chaos and defeat.
After the game, talk naturally turned to the fight and its aftermath. While neither Alvarado nor Williams spoke to the media immediately, the incident is sure to draw attention from league officials. The NBA has taken a hard stance on in-game violence in recent years, and suspensions or fines could be on the horizon for both players. For the Pelicans, losing Alvarado—even for a game or two—would be another blow to their already thin backcourt rotation.
Meanwhile, Jordan Poole’s role continues to evolve. With Jones out and McGowens still adjusting, Poole has been tasked with providing instant offense and veteran leadership, even if he’s coming off the bench. His minutes have been substantial, and his usage remains high. Yet, as Saturday’s events showed, Poole’s impact isn’t limited to the box score. His presence on the court—and, apparently, his facial expressions—can shift the narrative and become a talking point league-wide.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans don’t have much time to regroup. They’re slated to face the New York Knicks on Monday night, December 29, in what promises to be another tough test. With Jones’ status still uncertain and potential suspensions looming for Alvarado, head coach Willie Green will have to get creative with his rotations. Fans will be watching closely to see if Poole can channel the energy of Saturday’s viral moment into a spark for his struggling squad.
As for the Suns, the victory keeps them in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, but the focus postgame was squarely on the altercation and its fallout. Mark Williams, who has been a key contributor for Phoenix, will await word from the league office regarding any additional punishment.
In a season filled with adversity, the Pelicans’ latest outing was a microcosm of their campaign: a mix of promise, unpredictability, and headline-grabbing drama. Whether they can turn the page and find some stability remains to be seen. For now, though, the basketball world can’t stop talking about Saturday night in Phoenix—punches thrown, players ejected, and one unforgettable reaction from Jordan Poole.
With the schedule relentless and the spotlight ever-bright, the Pelicans must regroup quickly. Monday’s matchup with the Knicks offers a fresh opportunity, but the echoes of Saturday’s chaos are sure to linger in the minds of players and fans alike.
