If there’s one player who knows how to make New York Knicks fans see red, it’s Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young. Over the past few years, he's cultivated a passionate, often hostile, relationship with New York’s fanbase—a saga packed with drama, high-stakes games, and unforgettable moments. Even with new faces and evolving rosters on both teams, Young’s relentless rivalry with the Knicks remains a must-watch, as his bold on-court performances and unapologetic personality keep tensions at a boiling point.
A Rivalry Reignited
It all began during the 2021 NBA Playoffs when Young became the thorn in the Knicks’ side, leading the Hawks to a 4-1 series victory in the first round. That year, he dominated the floor, averaging 29.2 points and 9.8 assists per game against New York, securing Atlanta’s path to the next stage and, in the process, making himself public enemy number one in Madison Square Garden. The animosity was fully cemented when, after sealing the Hawks' victory in Game 5, Young took a theatrical bow at center court. It was the perfect final act, one that Knicks fans would not forget any time soon.
Knicks fans have never quite forgiven Young for his show-stealing antics, and they’ve since made it their mission to let him know at every opportunity. From regular-season matchups to chants at events where he’s not even in attendance, Knicks faithful have found inventive ways to show their disdain. Yet, if Young feels the heat, he hides it well. Instead, he seems to enjoy every moment of the tension and appears to use it as fuel to keep his game sharp whenever he faces the Knicks.
A Message for New York: "Take Y’all Home!"
Fast forward to the latest chapter of this thrilling rivalry: Wednesday night at State Farm Arena. The Hawks took on the visiting Knicks in what would be another close game, but once again, Young emerged as the hero. He posted an impressive stat line of 23 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds, leading Atlanta to a 121-116 win. This performance marked his seventh career 20-point, 10-assist game against New York—more than any other player has managed against the Knicks since Young entered the NBA in 2018, according to ESPN Research.
With the win in hand and emotions running high, Young didn’t hold back in an on-court interview, delivering a cheeky jab aimed directly at the Knicks fans who’d traveled to Atlanta. "I hope these New York fans find their way to the exit real real quickly," he said with a grin. "Boo, take y’all asses home." Young’s words ignited the crowd, and Hawks fans roared in delight at the latest bit of trolling from their star guard.
Troll Game: Hawks and Falcons Unite
But the trolling didn’t end there. The Hawks took things a step further by re-sharing a post originally from the Atlanta Falcons, which had mocked the Dallas Cowboys after the Falcons’ 27-21 win. The Hawks’ social media team transformed it into a triple-troll masterpiece, taking aim at three major fan bases: the Cowboys, the Yankees, and, of course, the Knicks. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as it came just days after the New York Yankees were eliminated by the Dodgers in the World Series. By poking fun at three passionate fan bases in one post, the Hawks managed to stoke the fires of rivalry even further.
Young Embraces the Hate
For Young, this antagonistic relationship with Knicks fans isn’t something to shy away from. If anything, he’s embraced the role of villain and seems to thrive under the pressure and negativity directed his way. During an August episode of Paul George’s podcast, Young shared a memorable encounter that summed up his attitude toward the animosity. He recalled seeing a young girl at Madison Square Garden, giving him the finger from just behind the scorer's table. Far from being upset, Young found the incident hilarious.
"I’ll never forget this young little girl ... just giving me the finger like right behind the scorer's table," Young shared, laughing. "There’s a lot of photos of me looking into the crowd just smiling. That’s kind of my reaction. I’m just looking at the reactions of all these people flipping me off. Ten minutes in the first quarter, I ain’t do nothing." For him, this is all part of the game, a testament to the passion fans bring, even when it’s directed against him. Young’s attitude exemplifies his mental toughness; he’s not fazed by the hate—instead, he relishes it.
A Fierce Competitor on the Court
For Knicks fans, Young’s antics and postgame comments may come across as cocky, but for the Hawks, he’s the player they need to give them an edge. His competitive spirit drives him, and games against rivals like the Knicks seem to bring out his best performances. It’s this fiery spirit that makes Young a star and a threat on the court, and why Knicks fans can’t seem to shake their resentment toward him.
Young’s rivalry with the Knicks fans isn’t likely to end anytime soon. It’s one of those thrilling storylines that adds color and intensity to the regular NBA season. As long as Young is in Atlanta and the Knicks continue to battle for dominance, fans can expect more memorable moments, fierce competition, and yes, more trolling. With each matchup, Young finds new ways to push the buttons of New York’s fanbase, and they, in turn, provide the energy that seems to make him play even better.
Upcoming Showdown: January 20
The next matchup between these two teams is already circled on the calendar for January 20 in New York, and fans on both sides are eagerly anticipating it. Will Young have another show-stealing performance? Will he bring out new antics for the Madison Square Garden crowd? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the drama between Young and the Knicks fanbase will continue to be one of the NBA’s most entertaining subplots.
Whether you’re a fan of Young or you’re rooting for his downfall, his rivalry with Knicks fans is hard to ignore. He’s the villain who thrives off the boos and heckles, and in a league full of polite rivalries, this one stands out for its raw intensity. For Young, the boos might as well be applause. And for Knicks fans, every game against the Hawks is a chance to try, once again, to break Trae Young’s seemingly unshakeable confidence.
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