While the Atlanta Hawks are not participating in the NBA playoffs this season, star guard Trae Young has not allowed his rivalry with the New York Knicks to fade. During the Western Conference Semifinals Game 7 matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets, Young made headlines by taking to social media to commend the Thunder fans at Paycom Center. However, his post also included a pointed remark aimed at Knicks fans, further fueling their ongoing rivalry.

Young’s contentious relationship with Knicks supporters began when he played a pivotal role in leading the Hawks past New York in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite that notable success, Young has struggled to replicate his postseason achievements in subsequent seasons, highlighted by the Hawks’ inability to advance beyond the play-in tournament this year. In contrast, the Knicks have made significant strides, marking their first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000.

As the Knicks gear up for a highly anticipated series against the Indiana Pacers, who eliminated them in last season's conference semifinals, the fervor surrounding this rivalry intensifies. Knicks fans will have the opportunity to showcase their support as they welcome the Pacers to Madison Square Garden for Game 1 of the conference finals on Wednesday, eager to prove Young’s previous claims wrong.