Rockets’ Alperen Sengun, Ime Udoka blast ‘soft’ Deandre Ayton ejection

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton hit the showers early on Sunday when he was ejected against the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of their first-round matchup in the playoffs at Toyota Center.

Ayton was defending Alperen Sengun with five minutes left in the third quarter when his forearm hit the latter’s head. Ayton was called for a flagrant 2 foul, leading to his ejection.

Ayton, who was ejected for the first time in his career, finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds. It was his best performance in the best-of-seven series.

One would think that Sengun and Rockets coach Ime Udoka would agree with Ayton’s ejection. But that was not the case.

“I don’t wanna make the officials (look) crazy, but I didn’t expect him to be ejected. I thought it was a little bit soft,” said Sengun, as reported by Sports Illustrated’s Lachard Binkley.

Here, Alperen talks about the flagrant that got Ayton ejected.

He said he didn't expect the officials to eject Ayton and talked about the conversation he had with some Lakers players after the play. Sengun said with a smile.

“They were telling me you go to the floor every time,… pic.twitter.com/8yZDfOTNFP

— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) April 27, 2026

Udoka echoed the two-time All-Star’s honest observation.

“It looked intentional. But I was surprised it was a flagrant 2. But that’s the NBA nowadays, and they call it a little softer than they used to,” said Udoka.

"It looked intentional. But I was surprised it was a flagrant 2. But that's the NBA nowadays, and they call it a little softer than they used to."

Ime Udoka on Deandre Ayton's ejection pic.twitter.com/muRCoJbnIV https://t.co/znDvBGGGSL

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 27, 2026

The Rockets defeated the Lakers, 115-96, to stay alive and avoid a sweep. Sengun, who gave a pep talk to his teammates before the contest, had 19 points and six rebounds.

Amen Thompson led the charge with 23 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, while Tari Eason had 20 points, eight rebounds, and five steals.

Houston played anew without Kevin Durant, who is dealing with an ankle injury. Durant trolled Ayton when the latter got tossed.

Lakers coach JJ Redick defended Ayton, stressing that the former No. 1 pick did not make a dirty play, describing him as a “sweet, kind soul.”

The Rockets will look to extend their campaign in Game 5 on Wednesday.

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