Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart will miss three games without pay after punching Golden State centre Charles Bassey. The confrontation brought an ejection during Wednesday’s game and a league suspension on Thursday. Houston will be without Smart against Utah, Washington and Miami, while coach Ime Udoka has spoken with him about the incident.
The National Basketball Association, the US professional league known as the NBA, has barred Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart from three games without pay for punching Golden State Warriors centre Charles Bassey. Thursday’s decision followed his ejection during the teams’ Wednesday meeting. Smart joined Houston as a free agent during the summer.[1], [2]
The incident came late in the third quarter, following a transition basket by Houston’s Amen Thompson. Smart and Bassey exchanged words face to face while Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg tried to separate them. As Bassey stepped backwards, Smart’s right hook grazed his nose in front of referee Mitchell Ervin. Thompson, Gui Santos, Brandin Podziemski and referee Brandon Adair intervened. Officials assessed a second-degree flagrant foul. Bassey continued playing without retaliating.[1], [2]
Smart’s suspension begins with Friday’s home fixture against Utah, followed by visits to Washington on Sunday and Miami on Monday. Houston coach Ime Udoka said he had spoken with the player after the game. According to Udoka, Smart said their arms had become entangled and his previously injured elbow had bent. Bassey accused Smart of dirty play earlier in the match, including grabbing his knee during a screen.[1]
