Rockets Guard Marcus Smart Hit With Multiple-Game Suspension For Punching Charles Bassey

On Wednesday night, the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors faced off in a heated game at the Toyota Center. After a competitive match, tensions boiled over late in the third quarter when veteran guard Marcus Smart of the Rockets got into a physical altercation with Warriors big man Charles Bassey. Smart was ejected from the game after punching Bassey in the face, resulting in a multi-game suspension.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the NBA suspended Smart for three games due to the seriousness of his actions. Typically, such incidents would result in a one-game suspension, but the league decided to impose a harsher penalty in this case. The altercation initially appeared to be a result of a physical play, with Bassey taking offense to Smart’s challenge.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka explained that he and Bassey had been discussing the issue before the incident, with Bassey even calling Smart "fake tough" and "dirty" after the game. Marcus Smart, a 32-year-old guard who joined the Rockets this summer, averaged 8.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in nine games this season. His defensive abilities and playmaking on the backcourt have significantly contributed to the Rockets' success, currently sitting third in the West with a 9-3 record.

The Rockets will be without Smart for the next three games, but he is expected to return for their next matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.