Alperen Sengun, Ime Udoka question Deandre Ayton ejection as Rockets stay alive

The ejection stole the spotlight. The reactions kept it there.

The Rockets stayed alive with a 115-96 Game 4 win, though the Lakers still lead the series 3-1. The turning point in the conversation came midway through the third quarter.

Deandre Ayton was ejected with about 5:30 left in the period after officials ruled his elbow to Alperen Sengun’s head “unnecessary and excessive,” issuing a flagrant 2.

Sengun didn’t exactly agree with the severity.

“I don’t want to like make the officials crazy but I didn’t expect him to be ejected,” he told reporters. “I think it was a little bit soft. I’m glad they called it.”

Call the foul. The ejection is where opinions split.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka saw both sides.

“It looked intentional,” Udoka said. “I was surprised it was a flagrant two. But that’s the NBA nowadays and they call it a little softer than they used to.”

So there it is. One player calls it soft. The coach calls it intentional but still questions the punishment.

Meanwhile, the game itself tilted hard toward Houston. Amen Thompson scored 23 points to lead a balanced attack. Sengun added 19. Tari Eason had 20. Five starters reached at least 16.

The Lakers never found rhythm, especially after the third quarter swing. LeBron James (10 points, 2-of-9 shooting, 0-of-3 on threes, nine assists, eight turnovers) had an off night by his standards. Los Angeles committed 23 turnovers overall.

Game 5 is Wednesday in Los Angeles.