In what was one of the more unexpected turns of events, the All-Star Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young excited the New York Knicks faithful. Remarkably, he accomplished this without even having to beat them in the playoffs. The Knicks beat those same cavalier foes to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. In that vacuum, though, Young took the opportunity to use the power of incumbency and make a name for himself.
The Atlanta Hawks entered the 2023 campaign optimistic. Their dreams were cut short, though, when they dropped both games in the play-in tournament, missing the playoffs. This no-show to the fall classic is quite the difference from a year ago. At that time, Young had recently inspired the Hawks to one of the most exciting first round playoff upsets over the Knicks, winning the series in five games. Young’s contributions were key to winning the series. After closing out Game 5 on the road, he and his team celebrated with a bow.
Even though Young didn’t get to face off against the Knicks this year, he kept himself squarely in the discussion. So, on Christmas Day, Young sat out the national TV Tableau against the New York Knicks. From the team owner’s box, he witnessed the failures of his own squad as New York fans mercilessly erupted into anti-Trae Young taunts. Much to the chagrin of Hawks fans in a cruel irony, the Knicks would win the season series against Atlanta 3-2.
Young turned social media on its head with one bold move. Better fit would be he tweeted last night during Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals, in which the Oklahoma City Thunder eliminated the Denver Nuggets. In a subtle jab at Knicks supporters, he showcased his trademark wit while watching from afar as New York’s postseason journey continued, contrasting his own team’s struggles.
The Knicks won by going to the Eastern Conference finals, capping a brilliant season. This win ignites a thrilling new rivalry between Young and his new counterpart and personal foil Young and his crew. Fans on either side can only speculate what could have been if the Hawks had made it this far. Their imaginations teem with possibilities.
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