In a surprising turn during the play-in game against the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks’ guard Trae Young was ejected for his behavior towards officials. With just under five minutes remaining in the game, he received two technical fouls. The first came after he forcefully passed the ball to referee James Williams, and the second followed shortly when he kicked the ball away and refused to return it to referee Pat Fraher.

“Trae Young received his first unsportsmanlike technical foul for throwing the ball at a game official,” Williams informed the media.

Williams elaborated on the second foul, stating, “He received his second unsportsmanlike technical foul for kicking the ball away and making a mockery of the game as we were attempting to shoot the free throw for the first technical foul. By rule, when a player receives two unsportsmanlike fouls, he’s ejected from the game.”

The Hawks, already trailing by 22 points at the time, went on to lose 120-95. After the game, Young expressed that his actions were meant to represent his teammates, including Dyson Daniels, emphasizing that every player deserves equal respect.

“Sometimes when I take my frustration out on the refs, it’s not just for me; it’s for my teammates. I see Dyson Daniels going; he may not be a household name yet, but he deserves the same amount of respect as some of these other guys. If you see a foul, you should call a foul. That’s pretty much all it was for me.”

In contrast, the game statistics showed that the Magic were penalized 25 times compared to the Hawks’ 18, and they attempted 27 free throws compared to the Hawks’ 34. Young remarked on the physical nature of the Magic, noting the injuries he and his teammates have suffered from games against them.

Looking ahead, the Hawks will face either the Chicago Bulls or the Miami Heat on Friday to determine who will claim the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs.

“I’m not going to let the refs frustrate me like that in our next game. I know we’ve got to win or go home next game, and I’m going to be ready,” Young stated confidently.

With the victory, Orlando secured the No. 7 seed and a playoff matchup against the second-seeded Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions.

Hawks coach Quin Snyder noted the significance of Young maintaining his composure, stating, “He’s quick to own that. But the game was out of hand at that point anyway.”

Young ended the game as the top scorer with 28 points.