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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 12: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a stop in play during a 131-107 Lakers win over the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on April 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)

As the third quarter between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets played out in Game 4, Alperen Sengun and his team caught a major break.

The veteran center Deandre Ayton was ejected from the game for committing a flagrant 2 foul call. At the time of his ejection, the Rockets already had a solid lead in the game, but Ayton was the Lakers’ highest scorer with a double-double at that point of the game.

An Ayton ejection would help the Rockets ensure they could seal the deal and keep the series alive. While Sengun was understandably glad that Ayton got tossed, the veteran center and his head coach took a shocking stance on the officials’ decision to make that their final call.

Ime Udoka Reacts To Deandre Ayton’s Ejection

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 05: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets reacts in the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center on December 05, 2025 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Following the game, Udoka was asked about the situation.

“I mean, it looked intentional, but I was surprised it was a flagrant 2,” the head coach told reporters. “But that’s the NBA nowadays. They call it a little softer than they used to.”

Alperen Sengun Makes Shocking Deandre Ayton Statement After Game 4

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 12: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers takes a pass between John Konchar #55 and Blake Hinson #2 of the Utah Jazz during a 131-107 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on April 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)

“I don’t want to like make the officials crazy but I didn’t expect him to be ejected, to be honest,” Sengun told reporters after the game.

“I think it was a little bit soft. They were telling me you go to the floor every time, but you didn’t go this time. I said I’m not going to the floor today. I’m not going to the floor today. I would die over here, not give up on anything. It is what it is. They called it, and I’m glad they called it. We go from there.”

Ayton left Sunday night’s game after 25 minutes played. He was shooting efficiently from the field with 75.0% of his shots from the field made.

The veteran center produced 19 points and 10 rebounds before he left the matchup.

On the other side, Sengun checked in for nearly 33 minutes. He shot 6-12 from the field to score 19 points. The veteran center came down with six rebounds, produced two assists, one steal, and one block.

Rockets Force Game 5 In Los Angeles

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 01: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 01, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Houston Rockets won 120-96. 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 Ishika Samant/Getty Images)

The Rockets lost the first three games of the series and had their backs against the wall for Sunday’s Game 4 action. Without Kevin Durant for the second game in a row, Houston survived.

The Lakers fell short 115-96. Even before Ayton’s early exit, the Rockets were putting together their best showing of the series, which resulted in a dud from the Lakers.

The two teams will meet again on Wednesday, April 29, for Game 5. The matchup takes place in Los Angeles.