The New York Knicks are gearing up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. After taking care of business against the Boston Celtics in Game 6, the NBA Finals are just four wins away.
Madison Square Garden is an intimidating place to play. Throughout the course of the 2024-25 NBA season, the Knicks compiled a 27-14 record in front of their home crowd.
On Sunday, Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young took to social media to send a message. He threw shade at New York fans ahead of the upcoming matchup against the Pacers.
Young believes that Oklahoma City Thunder fans are louder and more involved in the game than Knicks fans.
"Hot take but not," Young wrote. "OKC fans are louder than Knick fans. Happy Sunday!"
New York fans have never liked Young. Back in the 2020-21 NBA season, Young led his Hawks over the Knicks in the playoffs in just five games.
During that series, Young went off. He averaged 29.2 points per game to go along with 9.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds, while shooting 44.1% from the floor and 34.1% from 3-point range.
Ever since then, there has been a rivalry between Young and New York fans.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young
© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
As for the 2024-25 NBA season, Atlanta and Young were unable to get into the playoffs. The Hawks finished the year with a 40-42 record. They lost to both the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament and were eliminated from contention.
Game 1 between the Knicks and Indiana will be played on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET in New York.