Trae Young led the Atlanta Hawks to a 108-100 victory over the New York Knicks in an NBA Cup quarterfinal at Madison Square Garden. Celebrating the win, Young playfully disrespected the Knicks logo at center court by pretending to toss dice, further fueling the rivalry. This match marks another chapter in Young’s contentious relationship with New York fans, dating back to his impactful performance against the Knicks in the 2021 Playoffs. The win bumped the Hawks to a record of 14-12, tying them for sixth place in the Eastern Conference as they push for the playoffs.
By the Numbers
- Young averaged 29.2 points and 9.8 assists in the 2021 playoff series against the Knicks.
- The Hawks have won seven of their last eight games.
State of Play
- The Hawks are currently tied for sixth in the Eastern Conference.
- Young is averaging 21.0 points and 12.2 assists this season, while teammate Jalen Johnson averages 19.8 points and 10.1 rebounds.
What’s Next
The next Knicks game will likely bring more tension and excitement as this rivalry continues to intensify. The Hawks aim to build momentum heading into the NBA Cup semifinals.
Bottom Line
Trae Young’s antics and performance solidify his status as a villain in New York, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. As the Hawks surge in the standings, they must leverage this momentum for playoff contention, especially given their draft situation.
