Mavericks' Howard hit with two-game suspension

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Howard has been suspended for two games for his involvement in a fight with Sacramento Kings center Brad Miller in a pre-season game last Tuesday, the NBA said.

Howard escalated a situation involving Miller and Dallas guard Devin Harris by running across the court and hitting Miller in the back of the head, the league said on Friday.

He also pushed Miller in the back before engaging with other Kings' players, the NBA said in a statement.

The incident occurred in the second period of the Mavericks' 101-99 victory over the Kings in Las Cruces, N.M.

Howard, who averaged 21 points last season, will begin his suspension when the Mavericks open the regular season on the road against Cleveland on October 31.