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HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts after passing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list during the game between the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 21, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

Looking for a Game 4 victory to avoid the sweep, the Houston Rockets caught a break in the third quarter. Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton was tossed with a flagrant 2 foul on Alperen Sengun.

Kevin Durant, who was on the Rockets’ bench throughout the Game 4 action, was spotted waving at Ayton after it was realized the Lakers center was getting tossed.

via Hoop Central on X: Kevin Durant waved goodbye after the Ayton ejection. 🤣💀

At the time, the Rockets had a commanding 76-57 lead, but the early exit from the standout center would be another positive for a desperate Houston team.

Ayton was leading the Lakers in scoring at the time of his departure. In 25 minutes, Ayton had 19 points on 9-12 shooting from the field. He had a double-double with 10 rebounds to go with his line before taking off.

The Rockets Are Looking To Stay Alive

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

The Lakers have flat-out dominated the first-round series against the Rockets. Not many could’ve guessed that outcome initially.

Heading into the playoffs, the Lakers were expected to be without key starters in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. As a result, many expected Durant and the Rockets to handle business with ease.

Instead, the opposite happened. Durant has struggled to stay healthy, and the undermanned Rockets haven’t been able to take the Lakers.

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 20: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets speaks with the media after the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center on January 20, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

Throughout the first three games, the Lakers collected victories each time. Even in the Game 2 matchup that Durant played, LA’s defense locked him down in the second half, and forced Durant to tie his single-game turnover career-high.

In Game 4, the Rockets ruled out Durant once again. He’s still dealing with a notable ankle sprain. It’s unclear if Durant would be able to play in a Game 5 or not, but the Rockets are on pace to keep the series alive to give the star forward a chance to return.