Phoenix Suns find $1.1 million silver lining in Jusuf Nurkic’s suspension after Mavericks scuffle

In Friday's Western Conference clash between the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks, things became physical between Mavericks forward Naji Marshall and Suns center Jusuf Nurkic.

After the game, the league hit Naji Marshall with a four-game suspension, and both Jusuf Nurkic and PJ Washington with three-game suspensions. This was on top of fines calculated based on their respective salaries.

In the case of Nurkic, his suspension comes out to $125,000 per game, a total of $375,000. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, because the Suns will get a 50% tax variance credit for the $375,000 suspension amount, the team will actually save $1.1 million this season.

In a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, he broke down the situation:

"Suspension amount is based on: Nurkic/Marshall: 1/145 of their salary per game. Washington: 1/174 of his salary because it was 1 game. Dallas and Phoenix will receive a 50% tax variance credit for the suspended amount."

"Ex: Phoenix will save $1.1M because of the suspension."

While the Phoenix Suns will save some money this season because of the situation, they'll be without their starting center in tonight's game against the Golden State Warriors. They will also miss his services in Tuesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies and next Saturday's game against the Indiana Pacers.

Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer reacts to scuffle between Jusuf Nurkic, Naji Marshall and PJ Washington

Phoenix went on to lose Friday's game 98-89, with Nurkic playing just 13 minutes before the ejection.

While Kevin Durant erupted for 35 points in Devin Booker's absence, the Mavericks were able to secure the wing behind a 20-point outing from Kyrie Irving. Apart from that, there were also 15-point outings from Maxi Kleber and Spencer Dinwiddie.

After the game, Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer spoke with members of the press about the altercation, saying that Nurkic is "all good," despite briefly falling to the ground in the midst of the chaos.

"An offensive foul and it feels like something was said and it escalated from there and obviously Marshall and Washington thrown out for them and Nurkic for us. ... I don't have a whole lot more to add from it. I've watched it and I'm sure the league will do what's appropriate.

"I just [did a] quick check-in with him. He's a competitive guy, he's good."

After missing seven games this season because of an ankle injury, the three-game suspension won't do the big man, or the team, any favors.

Currently, over 24.3 minutes per game, his fewest since the 2020-21 season, Nurkic is averaging 8.8 points per game, his lowest since the 2016-17 season. Additionally, he's averaging just 9.5 rebounds per game, down from 11.0 rpg last season.

With the Phoenix Suns looking to fight their way to the top of a stacked Western Conference, the Suns need Nurkic on the court and at his best.