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The confrontation took place with 21 seconds remaining in the third period, shortly after Houston's Amen Thompson successfully converted a transition layup to extend the Rockets' lead. As play paused, Smart and Warriors center
Details of the ejection and match context
The incident unfolded directly in front of referee Mitchell Ervin, leading to an immediate stoppage in play. Players from both sides, including Thompson, Gui Santos, and Brandin Podziemski, quickly moved to separate the two individuals as officials stepped in to restore order. Following a formal video review, Ervin confirmed the ruling of a flagrant 2 foul, which carries an automatic ejection.
Smart did not wait for the official announcement of the review, heading directly to the locker room before the decision was finalized. Prior to his departure, the 32-year-old veteran had contributed 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist across 16 minutes of action. This marks the 13th career ejection for the guard, who joined the Houston roster as a free agent during the offseason. He has averaged 8.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals through his first nine appearances with the team this season.