Who is Marcus Smart? NBA hands Rockets guard three-game ban for punching Warriors' Charles Bassey - Here's what the rule book says

Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart has been suspended by the NBA for three games without pay for getting into a physical altercation with the Golden State Warriors’ Charles Bassey. The ugly confrontation happened during Houston's 115-108 victory over Golden State on Wednesday (November 11) at Toyota Center. Smart, who is famous for his aggressive nature, had invited trouble for himself as he punched Bassey right in the face in the third quarter. After reviewing the incident, match officials immediately ejected him. He was handed out the extra suspension by the NBA on Thursday, making sure that it sets an example for others so that the league won't see such kind of incidents in future.

Under NBA regulations, as per Rule No. 12 - Section IX, Smart was subject to at least a fine for committing a flagrant foul while throwing a punch also carries an automatic suspension of at least one game.

"Any player who throws a punch, whether it connects or not, has committed an unsportsmanlike act. He will be ejected following confirmation during review by instant replay and suspended for a minimum of one game."

WHY DID THE NBA SUSPEND MARCUS SMART FOR THREE GAMES?

Smart received a Flagrant Foul 2 after punching Bassey with just 21 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The league later confirmed in a statement that the punch made contact with Bassey's face. James Jones, NBA's executive vice president and head of basketball operations, announced the punishment.



The fight started when the two got entangled in a rebound battle. Smart went up to Bassey after that, and soon the verbal altercation between them turned into a physical one. Smart's suspension begins Friday (November 13), when Houston hosts the Utah Jazz.

WHO IS MARCUS SMART? ALL ABOUT THE ROCKETS GUARD'S NBA CAREER

Marcus Smart is a 32-year-old American professional basketball player who has established himself as one of the best NBA defenders in his over decade-long career. He was drafted sixth overall by the Boston Celtics during the 2014 NBA draft.

Smart, who played nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, earned the love of fans because of his defensive play, leadership skills, and ability to perform tough plays. Smart’s best individual accomplishment came in 2022 when he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

After leaving Boston in 2023, Smart has been playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, the Washington Wizards and the Los Angeles Lakers prior to his move to Houston in 2026.

The Rockets will now have to get ready for three games without their veteran player, while Smart will come under fresh scrutiny for his behavior on the floor.