Sixers Notes: NBA suspends 76ers' Brand one game for flagrant foul

TORONTO - As Elton Brand was being escorted from the Verizon Center court, the opponent he had just flagrantly fouled, Washington Wizards center JaVale McGee, lay on his stomach, watching Brand go.

From that position, a smiling McGee waved goodbye.

As it turns out, McGee was waving goodbye to Brand not just for the remainder of Tuesday's game, but for Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors as well.

Early Wednesday afternoon, the NBA announced that Brand would be suspended for one game without pay for his flagrant foul, penalty two, against McGee.

Brand served the one-game suspension Wednesday night.

"Just sort of another day on the 76ers right now," coach Doug Collins said before Wednesday's game. "He's been playing so well for us, he's been terrific all year long. We're going to definitely miss him."

In Brand's place, Collins started reserve power forward Thaddeus Young.

Brand was ejected from the 116-114 overtime loss to the Wizards with 3 minutes, 32 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Attempting to keep McGee from an uncontested dunk, Brand used both hands to shove the Wizard while McGee was in midair.

McGee finished the dunk but landed awkwardly on his back.

Brand is averaging 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
- Kate Fagan