Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart has been suspended by the NBA for three games after an attempted punch against Golden State Warriors center Charles Bassey, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The NBA is suspending Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart for three games for punching Golden State center Charles Bassey on Wednesday night, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/QOQFFyBd7I
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2026
After Bassey and Smart were jostling for a rebound, Smart rushed toward Bassey as they were jogging toward the other end of the floor.
Immediately confronting the big man, Smart subsequently threw a right straight that Bassey rolled and slipped in Floyd Mayweather fashion.
Look at that man. Mayweather/Canelo-esque lmao https://t.co/OpsIRAkLIT
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) November 12, 2026
After the game, Bassey — addressing media — characterized Smart as ‘fake toughness.’
Charles Bassey on Marcus Smart throwing a punch at him: “Fake toughness.” “I don’t think he was trying to play. I think he was trying to get himself out of the game.” https://t.co/ZxbgvUDeY9
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 12, 2026
Smart’s absence from the game did not affect the Rockets’ chances, as they were able to comfortably win against the Warriors — albeit, a Warriors team without Steph Curry, who exited the game early in the first quarter due to an oblique abdominal tear.
