NBA Suspends Marcus Smart for Three Games Following Scuffle with Bassey
On Thursday, the NBA imposed a three-game suspension on Houston Rockets combo guard Marcus Smart following a late third-quarter altercation against the Golden State Warriors.
Per the press release: “Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart has been suspended three games without pay for throwing a punch that made contact with the face of Golden State Warriors forward-center Charles Bassey, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
The incident, which resulted in Smart receiving a Flagrant Foul 2 and being ejected, took place with 0:21 left in the third quarter of the Rockets’ 115-108 victory over the Warriors on Nov. 11 at Toyota Center.
Smart is set to start his suspension on Nov. 13 when the Rockets face the Utah Jazz at Toyota Center.
After becoming entangled beneath the basket, Smart pursued Charles Bassey to the top of the key. The two players squared off chest-to-chest before the 32-year-old threw a right hook that clipped Bassey’s nose. Officials reviewed the action, assessed a Flagrant 2 foul, and ejected the veteran from the arena.
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka later clarified that Smart responded after Bassey bent his injured elbow during the rebound battle. Bassey presented a contrasting perspective in the visiting locker room, accusing the Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 of playing dirty throughout the evening and admitting he deliberately provoked the swing.
Smart begins serving the ban on Friday night when Houston hosts the Utah Jazz to resume play in the 2026–27 Regular Season, a contest that also contributes to the Emirates NBA Cup 2026.
