Washington, DC (SportsNetwork.com) - Four Wizards have been suspended one game by the NBA for leaving the bench during an altercation Monday between Washington forward Paul Pierce and Bulls center Joakim Noah.
Both Pierce and Noah were fined $15,000 following a situation that occurred early in Monday's preseason opener. Bulls guard Jimmy Butler was fouled hard by Pierce, which led to Noah pushing Pierce, who responded by poking Noah in the head.
Nene, DeJuan Blair, Xavier Silas and Daniel Orton all left the bench area during the altercation. All four players will miss Washington's regular-season opener against the Heat on Oct. 29.
The incident was another example of the budding rivalry between these two talented Eastern Conference clubs. Last postseason, Nene was ejected in Game 3 of the quarterfinals and suspended for Game 4 after putting his hands around Butler's neck.
