Washington Wizards centre Nene banned from team’s opening game after leaving bench during pre-season match

BRAZILIAN Nene was among four Washington players suspended by the NBA for leaving the bench during an altercation in a pre-season game.

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 22: Nene #42 of the Washington Wizards rebounds against the Chicago Bulls in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 22, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The Wizards defeated the Bulls 101-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

BRAZILIAN Nene was among four Washington Wizards players suspended for one game by the NBA for leaving the bench during an altercation in a pre-season game.

The league banned reserves DeJuan Blair, Daniel Orton and Xavier Silas as well as starting centre Nene for the first game of the upcoming season in which each man is eligible and physically able to play, which will likely be the Wizards’ October 29 opener against the Miami Heat.

The four players left the bench during an incident between Chicago Bulls centre Joakim Noah and Wizards forward Paul Pierce in Monday’s 85-81 Washington victory at Chicago.

Noah was fined $15,000 for initiating the altercation with Pierce by pushing him in the chest while the Wizards player was fined the same amount for hitting Noah in the forehead with his left index finger.

Washington eliminated Chicago 4-1 in the opening round of last season’s NBA playoffs.