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The atmosphere at Toyota Center shifted in an instant Sunday when a third-quarter collision between Deandre Ayton and Alperen Sengun ended with Ayton being ejected, sparking debate, locker-room chatter and a decisive Houston win that kept the Rockets alive in the first-round series.
How the contact unfolded and why Ayton was tossed
With about five minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Lakers big man stepped into a defensive sequence against Sengun. Contact from Ayton’s forearm landed on Sengun’s face. Officials reviewed the play and assessed a flagrant 2 foul, which carries automatic ejection.
Deandre Ayton ejection called soft by Rockets’ Alperen Sengun, Ime Udoka
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This marked the first ejection of Ayton’s NBA career. He had already given the Lakers a boost with a strong outing before leaving the floor.
Player reactions: Sengun and the Rockets’ perspective
Sengun downplayed the severity of the call after the game. He told reporters he was surprised Ayton was sent off and suggested the ruling felt a bit strict.
He also shared a lighter moment with opposing players on the court, recounting how some joked that he “goes to the floor every time,” a comment that drew smiles and eased tensions.
Coach Ime Udoka’s assessment of the play
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka acknowledged the contact looked deliberate but echoed Sengun’s surprise at the flagrant 2 classification. He pointed to broader trends in officiating.
“It looked intentional. But I was surprised it was a flagrant 2,” Udoka said, adding that the league appears to call some fouls more strictly than in the past.
Game impact and key statistics
- Final score: Rockets 115, Lakers 96.
- Alperen Sengun: 19 points, 6 rebounds.
- Deandre Ayton: 19 points, 10 rebounds before ejection.
- Amen Thompson: 23 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists — team leader.
- Tari Eason: 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals — impact on defense.
Houston played without Kevin Durant because of an ankle issue. Durant was on the bench when Ayton was removed and made a point to react to the ejection.
Lakers’ viewpoint and JJ Redick’s defense
Lakers coach JJ Redick pushed back against the notion that Ayton acted maliciously. He defended his center’s character and intent, describing Ayton as a gentle presence off the court.
Redick urged observers to distinguish between a hard basketball play and a dirty act, framing the contact as physical but not intentionally harmful.
What the ruling means for the series and next steps
The Rockets’ win prevents a sweep and forces a Game 5 showdown midweek. Houston hopes to build momentum, while Los Angeles must regroup after losing a key rotation player late in Game 4.
Both teams will use the short turnaround to adjust lineups and strategy.
