Trae Young sparks the rivalry between the Hawks and Knicks

The Hawks topped the Knicks last night 121-116 behind a career-best performance from top pick Zaccharie Risacher.

Atlanta’s rookie joined elite company on Wednesday, becoming the fourth-youngest player in NBA history to score 30+ points without a turnover. However, Risacher did not do it alone.

Jalen Johnson had 23 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists. He is averaging a career-best across the board with 18.9 points, 10.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists. And of course Trae Young did his part.

The star point guard posted 23 points, 10 assists and six rebounds against the Knicks. According to ESPN researchwas Young’s seventh career 20-point, 10-assist game against the Knicks, the most by any player against New York since Young entered the league.

Trae Young loves playing the Knicks and he fired up the rivalry after the game, “I hope these New York fans find their way to the exit real quick,” he said. “Boo, take all your asses home.”

This beef dates back to the 2021 playoffs when Trae Young put on a show at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks had finally made it back to the postseason for the first time since 2013, and New York was buzzing, but Young came to town and ripped their hearts out.

In the first playoff series of his career, Young averaged over 29 points and nearly 10 assists in five games, including three 30+ point performances in New York, capping it off with a 36-point Game 5 and a bow at MSG’s center court.

20,000+ Knicks fans were silent and have hated Trae Young ever since. This has become one of the best rivalries between a single player and a fan base in sports, and it will only intensify after Young’s words last night.

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Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire