In a pivotal NBA play-in game against the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young was ejected late in the fourth quarter after receiving two quick technical fouls, dramatically impacting the game’s outcome. With the Hawks trailing by points and hopes fading, Young’s frustration boiled over.
The first technical foul came after Young hit a floater and then threw the ball toward crew chief James Williams, which was deemed unsportsmanlike. Moments later, Young kicked the ball away as officials were preparing to shoot free throws, leading to his second technical and automatic ejection for "making a mockery of the game." Despite the ejection, Young finished as the Hawks’ top scorer with points and six assists, but Atlanta ultimately fell 120-9 to the Magic.
Hawks head coach Quin Snyder acknowledged Young’s accountability postgame, emphasizing the need to handle adversity better as the team faces a do-or-die play-in matchup against the winner of the Heat-Bulls game. A win would send Atlanta to the first round of the playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers, while a loss ends their season early.
Young expressed frustration over the physicality of the Magic, noting injuries to teammates and the intensity of the matchup. This ejection marks a rare but costly moment for the four-time All-Star, who has a history of technical fouls but must now refocus for the critical game ahead.
The Hawks’ playoff fate now hinges on their ability to regroup and overcome the setback caused by Young’s ejection in this high-stakes encounter.
