ESPN.com · 38m
Rockets' Smart ejected for throwing punch at Warriors' Bassey
HOUSTON -- Rockets guard Marcus Smart was ejected Wednesday night for throwing a right hook that grazed the nose of Golden State Warriors center Charles Bassey.
Smart declined to wait around for the official review -- which ruled the contact a flagrant foul 2, an automatic ejection -- and instead headed straight to the locker room after the punch.
Smart and Bassey engaged in the third quarter after Rockets guard Amen Thompson barreled to the rim for a transition bucket that put Houston ahead 82-76 with 21 seconds remaining. In the aftermath of the play, Smart and Bassey stood face to face jawing as Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg attempted to separate them.