Trae Young was ejected late in the Atlanta Hawks’ 2025 Play-In Tournament opener against the Orlando Magic after a series of heated exchanges with officials.
The All-Star guard, known for stepping up during high-stakes games, had a rough start but began to find his rhythm in the second half. However, his growing frustration with the officiating became increasingly clear as the game wore on.
In the fourth quarter, with under five minutes remaining and the Hawks trailing, Young’s temper boiled over. After hitting a floater, he threw the ball forcefully at a baseline official, which earned him a technical foul. Moments later, he intercepted an inbound pass and deliberately held the ball away from another referee — a move that resulted in a second technical and an automatic ejection.
As he walked off the court, Young continued to mock the officials, faking a pass with the ball before finally leaving the floor. Though he exited without further incident, his actions may lead to additional disciplinary measures from the league.
