The running feud between Etan Thomas and Brendan Haywood escalated with another exchange of blows, leading to a two-game suspension for Thomas and leaving the Washington Wizards thin along the frontcourt.

Thomas was suspended for throwing a punch at Haywood during practice Friday. Thomas was retaliating for what he believed was an intentional elbow.

"This cat decides to hit me with a cheap shot during practice and I reacted," Thomas told The Washington Post. "I could have turned the other cheek. I guess I didn't."