NEW YORK NBA suspends Nash, 2 others for roles in fight in Phoenix

The NBA has suspended Steve Nash and Matt Barnes of Phoenix and Rafer Alston of Houston for their roles in a fight.

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

Barnes knocked back Alston with his shoulder late in the third quarter, and Alston charged him. Nash ran in and was pushed back by McGrady, who was shoved down by O'Neal.

Nash was cited for “escalating the altercation.” He and Barnes missed Friday's game at Sacramento, and Barnes will sit Sunday against Detroit. Alston missed Friday's game against San Antonio and will be out today against New Orleans.

Elsewhere

DENVER: Center Steven Hunter was expected to be out at least 12 weeks after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Hunter has had a chronic knee problem that was aggravated in training camp.

INDIANA: Guard Mike Dunleavy (sore right knee), a former Duke star, missed Friday's game and has yet to play this season. . . Danny Granger started Friday after missing Wednesday night's victory over New Jersey with a thigh cramp.

NEW YORK: The New York Post reported that team president Donnie Walsh and disgruntled guard Stephon Marbury met Thursday at the team's practice facility for early discussions about a buyout of Marbury's contract. Marbury confirmed the meeting, but provided no details.

Rookie Danilo Gallinari received another cortisone shot for his ailing back and will have an “extended period of rest” while seeking additional opinions on treatment, the team said.

PHOENIX: Guard Leandro Barbosa returned to Brazil after his mother died. He flew to his hometown of Sao Paulo late Thursday after learning of the death of his mother, Ivete Barbosa. Team officials are not sure when he will return.

OH BROTHER: Pacers rookie guard Brandon Rush and 76ers guard Kareem Rush both entered the game with 4 minutes, 31 seconds left in the first quarter Friday. It was the first time the brothers have faced each other in the NBA.

During the second quarter, a Pacers fan yelled to Kareem Rush, “Hey Kareem, can you get me your brother's autograph?” Kareem, sitting on the bench, looked back and smiled.