Trae Younger had a postseason debut for the ages when the Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks in 5 video games throughout final season’s opening spherical of the Jap Convention playoffs. The Knicks headed into the collection with homecourt benefit because the NBA’s most nice shock, however Younger ruined the nice vibes from the second he took the ground at Madison Sq. Backyard.

Younger didn’t simply destroy the Knicks — he averaged 29.2 factors and 9.8 assists per sport for the collection — he obtained below the pores and skin of New Yorkers like no participant since Reggie Miller. As Knicks followers chanted “F—- Trae Younger” at any time when he took the ground at Madison Sq. Backyard, Younger shined within the villain position, slicing aside Tom Thibodeau’s protection in methods his crew had not seen all yr. It isn’t an exaggeration to say the Knicks haven’t been the identical since.

Younger got here to Madison Sq. Backyard once more on Wednesday, this time below completely totally different circumstances. The Knicks are once more certain for the lottery this season. Younger’s Hawks aren’t significantly better after a convention finals run final season, however they may a minimum of make the play-in match. In some ways, a late March common season matchup between Younger and the Knicks at MSG felt like the very last thing to actually stay up for for each groups and fan bases this season.

Younger didn’t disappoint. He completed with 45 factors and eight assists on 7-of-15 capturing from three-point vary, because the Hawks gained 117-111. He did it with the kind of aptitude that solely the Huge Apple can deliver out of him.

With the Knicks clinging to hope late, Younger saved his dirtiest transfer for final. He obtained Knicks veteran large man Taj Gibson on a change, lulled him to sleep with a crossover, after which exploded towards the basket and into his midrange jumper.

Gibson crashed to the ground along with his ankles full snatched. This was simply impolite.

In some way, it wasn’t Younger’s most disrespectful second of the evening. Throughout one level within the sport, Younger walked to Knicks followers sitting courtside, caught out his index finger and his thumb, and informed the MSG devoted to “maintain this L.”

Fortunately this was captured for all eternity.

Younger additionally taunted Knicks followers after the sport. Hey New York — Trae can’t hear your boos and chants over all these buckets.

The Knicks and Hawks are most likely the 2 most disappointing groups within the East this season. Younger will take solace in the truth that the Knicks are a league-wide joke once more. Knicks followers will take pleasure in that Younger and the Hawks aren’t significantly better than they’re.

Younger and the Knicks simply appear destined to be intertwined. We are able to’t wait till they play once more.