Trae Young does not want New York Knicks fans to forget his name, or drop their animosity towards him.
The Atlanta Hawks guard sent a message to Knicks fans during Sunday's Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Ok. Young taunted Knicks fans by arguing that, in his opinion, Thunder fans are louder than what he experienced playing at Madison Square Garden.
Young's personal rivalry with the Knicks dates back to 2021, when his Hawks beat the Knicks in the playoffs thanks to his heroics. At that time, he very much welcomed the hate he got from Knicks fans, and still does.
Four years later, Young is still embracing the villain role. In fact, he never stopped, and Knicks fans have fueled it by continuing to jeer him.
For the moment, however, Young is arguably losing the battle. His season ended in unsavory fashion, while the Knicks are on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Their fans might get the last laugh for this season.