Bassey called out Smart's "fake toughness" after the Rockets held on for a 115-108 win in Houston.
Marcus Smart's night ended early on Wednesday when he was ejected for throwing a punch at Warriors center Charles Bassey during Houston's 115-108 win at Toyota Center.
The incident happened in the third quarter, with the Rockets leading 82-76. Rockets guard Amen Thompson was driving to the rim while Bassey and Smart trailed the play. The two became entangled above the 3-point line, and Smart threw a right hook that grazed Bassey's nose without landing much impact. Players from both benches rushed onto the court as officials sorted out the situation, and Smart was tossed from the game.
Bassey did not hold back afterward, telling reporters Smart's actions were about image rather than basketball. "I think he was trying to chill, he wasn't trying to hoop," Bassey said. "Like I said, man, that was fake. Fake toughness."
Smart is expected to face discipline from the league given the nature of the ejection. The Rockets held on for the win despite the chaos, improving their night with the victory in Houston.