TITLE: Rockets force Game 5 after Deandre Ayton’s flagrant-2 ejection in third quarter
SLUG: rockets-stay-alive-after-ayton-flagrant-2-game-4
CONTENT:
The Houston Rockets capitalized on a controversial third-quarter ejection to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 115-96 on Sunday night, trimming the first-round series deficit to 3-1.
With 5:30 remaining in the third period, Lakers center Deandre Ayton was assessed a flagrant-2 foul and removed after officials ruled that his elbow to Alperen Şengün’s head was “unnecessary and excessive.” The decision immediately split opinions on the floor.
“I didn’t expect him to be ejected. I think it was a little soft,” Şengün said postgame. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka added, “It looked intentional. I was surprised it was a flagrant two, but that’s the NBA nowadays—they call it a little softer than they used to.”
Balanced Houston attack
Amen Thompson paced Houston with 23 points, while Tari Eason scored 20 and Şengün chipped in 19. All five Rockets starters finished with at least 16 points.
Los Angeles never recovered after the ejection. LeBron James managed 10 points on 2-for-9 shooting, dished nine assists and committed eight of the Lakers’ 23 turnovers.
Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Source: Hoops Wire
