NBA Suspends Marcus Smart for Altercation with Charles Bassey

The NBA has suspended Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart for three games without pay. This decision follows an incident where Smart aimed a punch at Golden State Warriors center Charles Bassey, barely grazing him.

In a heated third quarter of Houston’s 115-108 victory, Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, deviated from his usual composed play. The altercation began as Smart and Bassey tussled for position, leading to an exchange of words. Smart then attempted a right hook, connecting lightly with Bassey’s nose.

Teammates, coaches, and officials quickly intervened. The referees assessed Smart with a Flagrant 2 foul, resulting in his 13th career ejection. He left the game with six points, two rebounds, and one assist in 17 minutes. Smart will miss Friday’s home game against the Utah Jazz, Sunday’s game in Washington, and Monday’s match in Miami. He will return on November 18 against the Indiana Pacers.

Post-game, Rockets coach Ime Udoka shared Smart’s reasoning for the punch. Smart alleged that Bassey had aggravated a previous elbow injury. When Smart confronted Bassey, the latter allegedly provoked him further.

Bassey reportedly said, “What you gonna do?” prompting Smart’s reaction.

In response, Bassey criticized Smart for playing aggressively and attempting to provoke him. Bassey claimed that Smart’s actions hinted he was not interested in playing but rather sought to exit the game early.

The suspension marks the third time in Smart’s 13-year NBA career he has been banned. Past suspensions include a one-game ban for hitting Matt Bonner in 2015 and another for threatening an official in 2021. Smart has also been fined multiple times, including a $50,000 fine for shoving Joel Embiid in 2019.

Despite Smart’s absence, Houston managed to secure the win. However, his actions will cost him both games and a significant sum in earnings.