Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young Ejected for Throwing Ball at Referee in Game vs Indiana Pacers

• Trae Young got ejected in the Atlanta Hawks’ win over the Indiana Pacers
• He threw the ball with pace toward the referee, leading to his ejection
• Young is one technical foul away from an automatic suspension

Trae Young is close to getting an automatic suspension after he got ejected in the Atlanta Hawks’ win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.

He now has 15 technical fouls this season, leaving him just one shy from an automatic ban.

That is concerning news for the Hawks, who are in the thick of the race for play-in tournament spots.

Young got his marching orders after throwing the basketball at an official. The Hawks star was livid after he was called for an offensive foul while attempting a 3-point shot from the logo.

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The Pacers took full advantage of that call, with Tyrese Haliburton knocking down a 3-pointer on the other end.

Why was Young ejected?

Frustration boiled over for Young after the Hawks called timeout, slamming the ball once before whipping it hard toward the referee.

His pass, thrown with pace, hit the official, leaving the referee no choice but to eject Young instantly. Young finished the game with 14 points and five assists in 21 minutes of action.

One guy who did not like Young’s actions was Atlanta head coach Quin Snyder. He told The Athletic's Jeff Schultz that “it’s just a play he can’t make."

Hawks in tight playoff race

The Hawks can ill afford to lose Young at this late stage of the season. They are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a 37-38 slate.

Having that position is vital as they will only need a win in the No. 7 vs. No. 8 play-in battle to book a spot in the NBA Playoffs. If they lose that contest, they still can reach the postseason by beating the winner of the No. 9 vs. No. 10 play-in contest.

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Williams blasts referees in loss

Young isn't the only one who has a gripe with officials. Sports Brief recently reported on Monty Williams blasting the referees.

The Suns head coach was furious after the Lakers shot 46 free throws in their game last Wednesday.

Los Angeles won that contest 122-111.