Trae Young trolls Knicks again at Madison Square Garden
- On December 11, 2024, the Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks in a quarterfinal game at Madison Square Garden.
- Trae Young trolled the Knicks fans by rolling imaginary dice at their mid-court logo, which drew attention and reactions from players and fans.
- Jalen Brunson emphasized that the key issue was not Young's antics but the fact that the Knicks lost the game.
In an NBA Cup quarterfinal game held on December 11, 2024, the Atlanta Hawks faced off against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Hawks emerged victorious with a score of 108-100, continuing their dominance in the matchup. During the second half of the game, Trae Young, a star player for the Hawks, engaged in a playful act that many would consider taunting the home crowd. With the game winding down, Young stopped at the Knicks logo at mid-court, rolled imaginary dice as if he were gambling in a Las Vegas craps game, and delightedly embraced the spectacle, solidifying his status as a villain in the eyes of Knicks fans. His behavior has its origins in a rivalry that was ignited during the 2021 playoffs when Young led the Hawks past the Knicks in a hard-fought series. Young's antics not only drew reactions from the crowd but also from the Knicks players and management. Jalen Brunson, the captain of the Knicks, responded to comments about Young's actions by putting the focus back on the game: he emphasized that it was the result that mattered most, stating that Young's celebration only became an issue after the Knicks lost. Brunson also indicated that the focus should remain on winning rather than to dwell on Young's theatrics. Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein, a former Knick now with the Oklahoma City Thunder, commented on the situation stating he would not have permitted Young's celebration had he still been on the team. Despite the jest, Hartenstein emphasized his affection for New York. The tension encapsulated by Young's performance at Madison Square Garden reinforces the ongoing rivalry between him and Knicks fans, who have vocally expressed their animosity toward him since the 2021 playoffs. This playful yet provocative performance has also drawn cautionary responses from coach Tom Thibodeau regarding player conduct in high-pressure situations. As the narrative develops, Young's unique relationship with Knicks fans continues to unfold, intertwining elements of competition and theatricality, which significantly enriches the narrative of their rivalry as they head into subsequent matchups.