Hawks’ Young Ejected vs. Pacers After Throwing Ball Toward Official

Atlanta’s point guard received his 15th technical foul of the season on the play.

Hawks star point guard Trae Young was sent for an early shower on Saturday following a heated altercation with an official during the third quarter against the Pacers.

Young was ejected from the game after he threw the ball in the direction of an official “with force,” per Brad Rowland of the Locked on Hawks podcast. Atlanta’s point guard was visibly unhappy with a call from referee Sean Wall, before frustratedly firing the hard pass toward him. 

Young was issued a technical foul and was escorted to the locker room by a Hawks assistant after his ejection.

It was the 15th technical foul of the season for Young, meaning his next such foul will result in a one-game suspension. After that, he will be suspended an additional game for every two technicals he picks up. 

Young ranks in the top five in the NBA for technical fouls this season, alongside the likes of Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks, Warriors’ Draymond Green, Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, and Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards. 

Prior to the outburst involving the referee, Young had 14 points, five assists, and three rebounds across 21 minutes. The former No. 5 overall pick is averaging 26.8 points, 10.0 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game this season.