Rockets Suns Fight

A scuffle broke out during a game between the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns on November 12, 2008. The main participants in the fight were Matt Barnes, Rafer Alston, Tracy McGrady, Steve Nash and Shaquille O'Neal.

Replays show that Matt Barnes was responsible for starting the fight when he gave Rafer Alston a hard, unprovoked shoulder shot. Alston retaliated after the play by shoving Barnes. McGrady and Nash joined the scuffle and Shaquille O'Neal pushed the fight pile to the floor. No players on either team left the bench, including the controversy prone Ron Artest.

Rafer Alston and Matt Barnes were ejected. Steve Nash, Tracy McGrady and Shaquille O'Neal received technical fouls. Suspensions by the league are expected. The Rockets won the game 94-82.ESPN.com: Rockets - Suns Recap 11/12/08

• "He just took a cheap shot. If you look at the replay, the ref is standing there watching it. It was a dirty play. Good thing he didn't connect and knock my teeth out."—Rafer AlstonESPN.com: Rockets - Suns Recap 11/12/08

• ''It's just a physical game out there. I tried to get through a screen and I guess I was too rough on him so he tried to retaliate. It was just a bunch of pushing. I really didn't think anyone should get thrown out because there were no punches thrown."—Matt BarnesESPN.com: Rockets - Suns Recap 11/12/08

• ""The big fella pushed the heck out of me. It's basketball, it happens and after that we just went back to playing. A big thing for us is we kept our composure and won this ballgame."—Tracy McGradyESPN.com: Rockets - Suns Recap 11/12/08

• "Somebody pushed Steve so I had to take care of my little man. It wasn't nothing serious, though, just a push and shoving match."—Shaquille O'NealESPN.com: Rockets - Suns Recap 11/12/08