The Houston Rockets finally won their first game of the series against the Los Angeles Lakers. It was an impressive result, considering Kevin Durant did not play in the game. Despite that result, there were some bizarre moments in the game.
That included two ejections for the Lakers, which were given to Deandre Ayton and Adou Thiero. The Rockets also had Aaron Holiday sent off at the same time as Thiero in the late stages of Game 4.
JJ Redick speaks about the Lakers’ bizarre ejections
Ayton got ejected when his forearm hit Rockets center Alperen Sengun at the back of the head. While it might look unintentional, it was dangerous, so the officials deemed it a flagrant two and an automatic ejection for the game.
After a late Dalton Knecht three-pointer in the final moments of the game, referee James Williams ejected both Thiero and Holiday. That was yet another peculiar moment in this game, which had everyone, including Redick, puzzled.
MORE: Lakers fans are furious about Deandre Ayton’s sudden ejection in Game 4
This game had a shocking trio of ejections. Emotions can get heightened in the NBA Playoffs, but three ejections in one game is not something that happens every postseason.
This was a unique case for both teams, but the Lakers had more compared to their opponents. Redick spoke after the game in his press conference about what happened with the ejections.
“I didn’t get a great explanation on Adou. I’m sure James will give you that. DA, he’s got such a sweet, kind soul. That wasn’t dirty or intentional,” Redick said in his presser after Game 4 in Houston.
“He was trying to brace himself with that off arm against Sengun’s body, and it looked like his arm just kind of slipped. I don’t think DA would ever do anything malicious.”
It will definitely be an interesting situation to track. Considering referee Williams was calling this game, this furthered the stories surrounding him, including the one with Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns.