The Hawks fell into a 2–0 series hole against the Celtics on Tuesday, with Boston cruising to a 119–106 victory. After the game, star guard Trae Young made sure he didn’t take a financial hit to make matters worse.
Young, who finished the game with 24 points and six assists, was asked during his postgame media session whether or not he thought the officiating was fair. Now a five-year veteran, he didn’t take the bait.
— James Burnes (@JamesBurnes8) April 19, 2023
“You trying to get me fined?” Young quipped. “No, it was good officiating. It was alright.”
Young successfully deflected the question after the Celtics were called for just eight fouls all game. It’s not as if the Hawks were whistled for many more, though, finishing with 11. Boston attempted 10 free throws for the game compared to Atlanta’s eight.
Though Young saw his scoring output increase compared to Game 1, he still struggled to find a rhythm offensively Tuesday. He shot 9-for-22 from the field with five turnovers. Through two games this series, Young is shooting 35.0% from the field and is 3-for-13 on three-point attempts, with 10 turnovers.
The Hawks will look to avoid falling into a 3–0 hole during Friday’s Game 3 in Atlanta.