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Hawks G Trae Young ruled out vs. Knicks after painful ankle injury

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) shoots against the New York Knicks during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, April 21, 2021, in New York. (Wendell Cruz/Pool Photo via AP)
Trae Young didn't return Wednesday after suffering a sprained ankle against the Knicks. (Wendell Cruz/Pool Photo via AP)

Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young needed help off the court on Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury against the New York Knicks.

The Hawks ruled him out for the rest of the game with an ankle sprain.

Young suffered the injury late in the third quarter after shooting a floater in the lane. Young's left ankle rolled when he landed awkwardly on the foot of Knicks center Norvel Pelle. He immediately clutched his ankle and remained lying on the court in obvious pain.

He eventually left the court with the aid of a trainer and a teammate.

Head coach Nate McMillan told reporters after the game that an X-Ray on Young's ankle was negative. He's scheduled for an MRI on Monday.

Knicks rally for key win after Young's injury

The game was a key matchup in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Entering Wednesday's game, the Hawks held a half-game lead over the Knicks for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, which would come with home-court advantage in a playoff series.

Atlanta led, 95-87 when Young left the game. The Knicks rode a 15-0 run to force overtime after Young's injury en route to a 137-127 win to take control of the No. 4 seed. The bigger concern for Young and the Hawks is his long-term status with 13 games remaining before the playoffs.

Through 53 games, Young is averaging 25.4 points, 9.5 assists and four rebounds while shooting 43.1% from the field and 35.8% from 3-point distance. The Hawks are seeking their first playoff appearance since 2017.

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