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

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.

“We are both sweaty guys. I just slipped off his shoulder and my elbow hit him right there above his shoulders,” he explained.

“It looked crazy on camera, but I’m not the guy who’s a dirty player or plays like that.”