NBA suspends Nash, Alston, Barnes for fight

Nov 14, 2008 - 7:57 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The NBA on Friday suspended Steve Nash and Matt Barnes of the Phoenix Suns and Rafer Alston of the Houston Rockets for their roles in a fight.

Alston and Barnes were suspended for two games without pay and Nash for one. The league also fined Suns center Shaquille O'Neal $35,000 and Rockets forward Tracy McGrady $25,000 for their actions during the Rockets' 94-82 win in Phoenix on Wednesday.

Nash was cited for "escalating the altercation." He and Barnes will miss Friday's game at Sacramento, and Barnes also will sit Sunday against Detroit.

Alston will miss games Friday against San Antonio and Saturday against New Orleans.

Barnes and Alston were ejected from the game after a melee with 27 seconds left in the third quarter.

Barnes shoved Alston, who was attempting to set a pick. After McGrady hit a basket, Alston went at Barnes, sparking a pushing and shoving match.

Nash went after Alston and McGrady pushed the Suns' All-Star guard to the floor. O'Neal then reached in and shoved the pile to the floor.

When order was restored, Barnes and Alston were ejected and Nash, O'Neal and McGrady had been hit with technical fouls.