Overview

• Trae Young was ejected in the fourth quarter of the Hawks' 120-95 play-in loss to the Orlando Magic after receiving two technical fouls for unsportsmanlike conduct.
• The ejection followed Young throwing a hard chest pass at referee James Williams and later kicking the ball away, actions criticized by officials as 'making a mockery of the game.'
• Young defended his behavior postgame, stating it was a response to perceived uneven officiating and done in part to advocate for his teammates, including Dyson Daniels.
• The loss secured the Magic the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, while the Hawks must now win their next game to claim the No. 8 seed.
• Young led all scorers with 28 points before his ejection, but his actions have reignited debates over NBA officiating and player conduct in high-stakes games.