Four Washington Wizards suspended for leaving bench in scrum

Washington’s center DeJuan Blair, power forward Nene Hilario, center Daniel Orton and shooting guard Xavier Silas will all miss the Wizards’ regular-season opener on Oct. 29 at Miami after receiving one-game suspensions for leaving the bench area during a scrum Monday between Paul Pierce and Chicago’s Joakim Noah.

The scuffle began in the first quarter after Pierce was called for a foul after clotheslining the Bulls’ Jimmy Butler hard after the guard came up with a rebound and crossed half court.

As officials reviewed the play to determine whether or not to call a flagrant on Pierce for his actions, the veteran forward began chirping at Butler, eventually drawing Noah out to defend his teammate.

Noah pushed the Wizards player away, earning him a $15,000 fine, and Pierce jabbed his finger into the center’s forehead, a move that will cost him $15,000 as well. After that exchange, the Washington players left the bench as the teams mixed up near the scorers table.

The Bulls and the Wizards met in the first round of the playoffs last season, with Washington advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2007-08.

Twitter: @mattwilhalme