Washington Wizards forward Nene (42), from Brazil, looks to pass as Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) defends in the second half of Game 3 of an opening-round NBA basketball playoff series, Friday, April 25, 2014, in Washington. AP
WASHINGTON —The National Basketball Association slapped Washington Wizards forward Nene with a one-game ban Saturday after he head-butted a Chicago Bulls player in game three of their first round playoff series.
Nene, of Brazil, has been suspended for Sunday’s game four of the best-of-seven series for his tussle Bulls swingman Jimmy Butler.
The incident took place with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter when he grabbed Butler by the neck and head-butted him.
The Bulls went on to win the game 100-97 to cut Washington’s lead in the series to 2-1.
Trevor Booker is expected to take Nene’s place in the starting lineup for Sunday’s game.
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