Celtics’ Allen Is Suspended One Game for Elbow Shot

The N.B.A. suspended Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen one game without pay for elbowing Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao in the groin. Allen will be docked more than $167,000 in salary.
Allen sat out the Celtics’ game in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, a meaningless 100-98 victory for Boston. Kevin Garnett also missed the game to rest his strained knee.

Paul Pierce, who finished with 31 points, made the winning jumper as the Celtics hindered Philadelphia’s chances for the Eastern Conference’s sixth seed. Pierce made seven 3-pointers.

Andre Iguodala led the 76ers with 25 points and Thaddeus Young, who returned after missing seven games with an ankle injury, had 18.

The Celtics already had the second seed in the East locked up and could face the Sixers in the first round of the playoffs.

Celtics Coach Doc Rivers said he was surprised Allen was suspended, and said Varejao played a role in the incident.

“The bottom line to me is the foul before the incident,” Rivers said. Varejao and Allen were tangled under the basket after a free throw with 5 minutes 5 seconds remaining in the third quarter of the Cavaliers’ 107-76 victory on Sunday. Varejao flung Allen to the floor, and Allen responded with his elbow.

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