Rockets Beat Warriors as Curry Exits and Smart Is Ejected
Rockets Beat Warriors 115–108 as Curry Exits and Smart Is Ejected
The Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 115–108 on November 12, 2026, ending Golden State’s eight-game winning streak. The game was overshadowed by Stephen Curry’s early injury exit and Marcus Smart’s ejection after an alleged punch involving Warriors center Charles Bassey. Source 1
Available reports identify Smart as a Houston player and Bassey as a Golden State player. They also report that Bassey criticized Smart’s conduct after the incident. The precise sequence of events, Curry’s diagnosis and any further NBA discipline require confirmation from official league and team sources.
Houston Ends Golden State’s Winning Streak
Houston’s seven-point victory halted a significant Golden State run. The Warriors had won eight consecutive games before the Rockets held on for the 115–108 result. Source 3
The loss interrupted Golden State’s momentum and raised immediate questions about Curry’s health and the team’s ability to generate offense without him. One defeat does not diminish the value of the eight-game streak, but Curry’s availability could determine whether this becomes a temporary setback or a larger challenge.
The available reports do not include verified quarter-by-quarter scores, individual statistics, shooting numbers or the precise timing of Curry’s departure. Those details should be checked against the official box score and play-by-play before publication.
Curry Leaves With an Injury
Curry left the game early because of an injury. The supplied reports do not identify the injured body part, provide a diagnosis or establish a recovery timeline. Source 1
Curry’s exit affected Golden State’s offensive structure. He provides ball-handling, perimeter shooting, pick-and-roll creation and late-game decision-making. His movement also stretches defenses beyond the three-point line, creating driving lanes and passing opportunities for teammates.
Without Curry, the Warriors had to redistribute shot creation and playmaking. The team could face reduced spacing, greater pressure on secondary creators and fewer reliable options in late-clock possessions. Golden State may also need more transition scoring, three-point volume from its supporting cast and defensive pressure to compensate for reduced offensive efficiency.
An in-game exit does not establish whether an injury is minor or serious. Curry’s next status should be based on an official Warriors medical update, injury report or statement from the coaching staff or player.
Smart Ejected After Altercation With Bassey
The supplied reports say Smart was ejected after allegedly throwing a punch at Bassey during the game. Source 5
The word “punch” should remain attributed to the reports until video review and an official NBA ruling establish the exact nature of the contact. The available summaries do not confirm who initiated the exchange, whether the punch landed, which players were involved or whether additional technical or flagrant fouls were assessed.
Based on the available reporting, the sequence was:
- Smart and Bassey became involved in a physical exchange.
- Smart allegedly threw a punch.
- Officials ejected Smart.
- The game continued with both teams adjusting their rotations.
The game clock, quarter, foul designations and replay findings remain unconfirmed. Those details should come from the official play-by-play, broadcast footage or NBA game report.
Smart’s ejection removed a veteran guard who contributes perimeter defense, ball pressure, playmaking and leadership. Its effect depended on the timing of the incident and the minutes remaining. The reports do not provide enough statistics to measure the ejection’s impact precisely.
Bassey Criticizes Smart’s Conduct
Bassey described Smart’s conduct as “fake toughness” after the alleged punch, according to Sportsnet. Source 7
Yahoo Sports also reported that Bassey characterized Smart’s tactics as “dirty.” Source 9
Those descriptions represent Bassey’s account and should not be treated as independent findings about Smart’s intent. The complete interview context, officials’ report and NBA review are needed to establish what happened.
Two Major Disruptions in One Game
The game produced a major disruption for each team. Golden State lost its primary offensive engine, while Houston lost a veteran guard to ejection. Curry’s exit reduced the Warriors’ shot creation and spacing; Smart’s ejection reduced Houston’s defensive and playmaking depth.
Neither event should automatically be treated as the sole reason for Houston’s victory. The available reports do not include the possession-by-possession data, closing scoring run, turnover count, rebounding margin, free-throw numbers or individual clutch statistics needed for a complete evaluation.
Houston’s ability to protect a seven-point lead after Smart’s ejection became an important part of the game’s context. Golden State’s response will depend heavily on Curry’s diagnosis and availability. If he misses time, the Warriors may rely more on secondary creators, off-ball movement, transition opportunities and defensive pressure.
Disciplinary and Injury Fallout
The NBA may review the Smart-Bassey incident using game footage and the officials’ report. Possible outcomes include no further punishment, a fine, a suspension or additional penalties for other participants. No additional discipline has been confirmed in the supplied information.
The Warriors’ next official update should address Curry’s diagnosis, any imaging or testing, practice participation and expected availability. A day-to-day designation would carry a different implication from a multi-game absence or longer-term injury.
The next games, opponents, venues and injury designations should be confirmed through official team and league schedules. Any NBA ruling involving Smart should be added when announced.
Key Takeaways
- Houston defeated Golden State 115–108.
- The Rockets ended the Warriors’ eight-game winning streak.
- Stephen Curry left early with an injury, but his diagnosis and recovery timeline remain unconfirmed.
- Marcus Smart was ejected after reportedly throwing a punch at Charles Bassey.
- Bassey described the alleged conduct as “fake toughness” and reportedly called Smart’s tactics “dirty.”
- No additional NBA discipline has been confirmed in the available information.
- Official injury, play-by-play and disciplinary updates are still needed.
FAQ
Why was Marcus Smart ejected?
The supplied reports say Smart was ejected after allegedly throwing a punch at Charles Bassey. The official play-by-play and NBA ruling should establish the precise foul classification and whether further penalties follow.
Did the Rockets beat the Warriors?
Yes. Houston defeated Golden State 115–108 and ended the Warriors’ eight-game winning streak. Source 3
What happened to Stephen Curry?
Curry left the game early with an injury. The available reports do not provide a confirmed diagnosis, test result or recovery timeline.
What did Charles Bassey say about Marcus Smart?
Bassey described Smart’s alleged conduct as “fake toughness” and reportedly characterized his tactics as “dirty.”
Will Marcus Smart be suspended?
A suspension is possible but has not been confirmed. The NBA may review the video, officials’ report and circumstances before announcing any fine or suspension.
Did Curry’s injury cause the Warriors’ loss?
Curry’s exit affected Golden State’s offensive options, but the available reports do not show that it alone caused the 115–108 defeat. A complete assessment requires verified scoring runs, timing and team statistics.