INQUIRER Sports

NEW YORK, United States?Minnesota Timberwolves forward Ryan Hollins was suspended for two games without pay by the NBA on Wednesday after punching and striking rival players in a 125-112 home loss to Dallas last Monday.

Hollins elbowed Dallas standout DeShawn Stevenson in the head while competing for a rebound 2:45 into the second quarter. Stevenson was whistled for a technical foul for confronting Hollins, who was not called for a foul.

With 3:38 remaining in the fourth quarter, Hollins struck German forward Dirk Nowitzki in the head with his left forearm. After the Mavericks star grabbed a defensive rebound, Hollins landed a glancing blow and was ejected.

"Hollins is a little out of control, but it happens out there," Nowitzki said after the game.

Hollins was suspended for home games Wednesday against Denver and Friday against San Antonio. He will be eligible to return on Sunday when the Timberwolves begin a four-game road trip at Sacramento.

Hollins is averaging a career-best 6.8 points and 3.0 rebounds a game this season. He has career averages of 3.9 points and 2.2 rebounds a game over five NBA seasons with Minnesota, Charlotte, and Dallas.