Alperen Sengun’s verdict adds fuel to controversy over Deandre Ayton ejection call

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The Los Angeles Lakers missed their chance to sweep the Houston Rockets last Sunday night, falling 115-96 at the Toyota Center.

Deandre Ayton’s third quarter ejection for a Flagrant 2 foul proved decisive for the result, especially given his strong contribution before leaving. The centre had already posted 19 points and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes.

Afterwards, that moment became the central talking point, with players from both sides weighing in.

Alperen Sengun admits surprise at Deandre Ayton decision despite benefiting

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Alperen Sengun, who was on the receiving end of the contact, admitted he did not expect Ayton to be ejected when the play was reviewed by officials.

“I don’t want to make the officials crazy, but I didn’t expect him to be ejected, to be honest. I think it was a little bit soft,” Sengun said at the post-match press conference.

He added: “They reached out to me like, ‘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 glad they called it.”

Sengun’s honesty has only intensified debate, as his reaction suggested the punishment may have been harsher than anticipated even by the player involved.

The Rockets centre still delivered 19 points, the team’s third-highest tally, and found more space to operate inside after Ayton’s exit changed the physical dynamic in the paint.

Deandre Ayton insists incident was accidental after costly ejection

Ayton addressed the situation after the game, maintaining there was no intent behind the contact that led to his dismissal.