Thunder center Kendrick Perkins suspended one game
Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins has been issued a one-game suspension without pay for his role in a physical confrontation with New Orleans Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans, the NBA announced on Saturday.
The incident occurred during Friday's game between the Pelicans and Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.
With less than five minutes remaining in the first quarter, Evans drove to the basket for a layup and was fouled by Perkins. After the play, Perkins head-butted Evans, and both players were assessed technical fouls.
A league press release notes that Perkins initiated and made "head to head contact" with Evans.
Over 49 games this season, Perkins has averaged 4.0 points and 5.6 rebounds in 19.1 minutes per game. The Thunder (25-25) will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
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