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Anthony Gharib, ESPN
The previous adage says, “Time heals all wounds” – except you are a New York Knicks fan and Trae Younger is concerned, that solely makes them worse.
The teenager, public enemy No. 1 of Knicks followers, returns to Madison Sq. Backyard on Wednesday for the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup (7 p.m. ET on ESPN). Earlier than being drafted No. 5 in 2018, Younger was optimistic about being chosen by the Knicks.
“If I get the prospect to play in New York, I might be honored and I might be prepared to place within the work and assist this franchise win,” he stated. stated.
Younger landed with the Atlanta Hawks after a draft commerce with the Dallas Mavericks. Wednesday would be the twentieth common season assembly between Younger’s Hawks and the Knicks – they’ve solely received six of these matchups.
Nevertheless, the Hawks guard has bragging rights for the Knicks after serving to result in their elimination within the first spherical of the 2021 Jap Convention playoffs. He averaged 29.2 factors and 9.8 assists as Atlanta defeated New York in 5 video games.
This collection sparked a feud between Younger and New York, resulting in spontaneous “F— Trae Younger” chants from Knicks followers, even when the Knicks should not taking part in the Hawks. Memorable Knicks followers chanted the phrase following a victory in opposition to the Boston Celtics within the first recreation of the 2021-22 season. However that is simply the tip of the unhealthy blood iceberg.
Here is a have a look at some key moments between Younger and the Knicks.
Trae bows
In his first playoff look of 2021, Younger confirmed out early, dropping 32 factors, 10 assists and 7 rebounds within the opener. He hit a runner with 0.9 left to steer Atlanta to the victory and informed the group to “shut up” — all whereas being on the receiving finish of “F— Trae Younger” chants.
“After I hit the floater, it felt like everybody shut up,” Younger stated. “I used to be ready for them, rattling, you are singing once more. I used to be excited.”
The New York followers took up the mantra within the opening minutes of the primary recreation and it continued all through the collection. Issues received ugly in Sport 2 when a fan was banned from Madison Sq. Backyard for spitting on the Hawks star.
Younger loved the position of the villain, giggle whereas he was receiving these songs. He additionally had the final phrase.
In Sport 5, he hit a 32-foot 3-pointer with 43 seconds left to ice the sport. He then bowed to Middle Court docket and bid farewell to the Madison Sq. Backyard crowd.
“I do know the place we’re. I do know there’s plenty of exhibits on this city,” Younger stated of the arc. “And I do know what they do after the present is over.”
Christmas Day Taunts
New York followers weren’t feeling festive on Christmas Day 2021.
The Knicks confronted the Hawks at dwelling of their first recreation for the reason that playoffs. It was a one-sided affair, with New York beating Atlanta behind a triple-double from level guard Kemba Walker.
A well-recognized anti-Younger chant broke out through the match. There was just one downside: Younger wasn’t taking part in due to the NBA’s well being and security protocols. He fired again at X after the match.
They solely say it on the finish now?!?
🤔🤔🤔good 😂*a minimum of every thing I heard🤫
–Trae Younger (@TheTraeYoung) December 25, 2021
“Plenty of mild, plenty of bullshit”
Younger did not get to reply to followers in New York till March 2022, and he ready. The three-time NBA All-Star dropped 45 factors with seven assists. The Backyard crowd continued to boo him, nevertheless it in the end did not matter.
Atlanta received 117-111 and Younger did not miss a chance to mock the followers. He stated the boos weren’t as loud as he anticipated.
“No, I could not actually hear them, for actual. It wasn’t even that loud, to be sincere with you,” Younger stated.
He could not pinpoint what introduced out the most effective within the Backyard stage, calling it a enjoyable ambiance filled with lights and “speaking.”
Particular kicks backfire in opposition to the backyard
Younger’s confidence was sky-high heading right into a December 2022 recreation within the Massive Apple. Excessive sufficient for him to return in with particular kicks.
In Knicks colours, Younger’s sneakers learn “King of Broadway” on the heel. Nevertheless, he struggled with footwear. Younger had simply 19 factors on 9-of-20 capturing as New York dominated for a 113-89 victory.
Younger displays on viral chants
All through the rivalry with the Knicks, Younger was inundated with chants. Throughout an look on Paul George’s podcast in August, he known as the chants “tremendous humorous.”
Younger then informed the story of a woman from the Backyard giving him the finger proper behind the scorer’s desk.
“Simply watching the reactions of all these individuals freaks me out,” he stated. “Ten minutes within the first quarter, I don’t do something.”
“In direction of the exit very in a short time”
New York swept Atlanta through the common season in 2023-24, with Younger showing in solely two video games, each at dwelling. Nevertheless it solely took one recreation to rekindle the hearth and the Hawks star lit it final month.
He had 23 factors, 10 assists and 6 rebounds in a 121-116 victory over the Knicks. It was his seventh profession 20-point, 10-assist recreation in opposition to the Knicks (common season and playoffs), essentially the most by any participant in opposition to New York since Younger entered the NBA in 2018-19, based on ESPN Analysis.
So as to add insult to damage, Younger mocked the New York followers in attendance in Atlanta.
“I hope these New York followers discover their manner out very, in a short time,” he stated. “Boo, take you all dwelling.”
Trae stated go dwelling 😂 pic.twitter.com/l1OoKhwvVF
– Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 7, 2024
The Knicks have an opportunity to return the favor on Wednesday by knocking the Hawks out of the NBA Cup with a victory.
