NBA Gives Marcus Smart a Three-Game Suspension for Punch

The NBA has handed Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart a three-game suspension. The penalty was announced following the fight that broke out during the November 11 game, which the team won 115-108 against the Golden State Warriors. The league said the suspension will be enforced without pay.

The incident happened in the final moments of the third quarter, with 21 seconds remaining. After two players were moving around the paint, Smart chased Charles Bassey to the top of the key. Once the two came chest to chest, Smart threw a right hook and his punch landed on Bassey's nose. The referees reviewed the play, called a Flagrant Foul 2, and ejected Smart from the game.

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said he reacted because Smart had bent Bassey's injured elbow during a battle for a rebound. Bassey, for his part, accused Smart of playing rough throughout the game in the visitors' locker room. Bassey also admitted that he had deliberately provoked the punch.

Smart will begin his suspension with the Rockets' November 13 game at the Toyota Center against the Utah Jazz. This matchup also counts toward the 2026-27 season and the Emirates NBA Cup 2026.