Knicks Fans Can Hurl Eggs at Comedian in Hawks Garb

Stunt outside MSG aims to rile up crowd before playoff game

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:39pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes and splatters, conceptually representing the chaotic scene of Knicks fans aggressively hurling eggs at a comedian trapped in a protective cage outside Madison Square Garden.Knicks fans unleash their pent-up rivalry with the Hawks through an unorthodox pre-game stunt targeting a comedian in opposing team gear.NYC Today

Knicks fans will have a new target for their ire during the playoffs this year, as a comedian dressed in Atlanta Hawks gear will be enclosed in a protective cage outside Madison Square Garden and pelted with eggs by the crowd before Game 1 against the Hawks.

Why it matters

The Knicks-Hawks rivalry has been heated in recent years, with Knicks fans especially disliking Hawks star Trae Young. This stunt is an attempt to capitalize on that animosity and get the home crowd fired up for the playoff matchup.

The details

The comedian, whose identity has not been revealed, will be stationed outside MSG in a protective cage wearing Hawks gear. Knicks fans will be able to purchase eggs to throw at the comedian as part of the pre-game festivities.

  • The stunt will take place outside Madison Square Garden before Game 1 of the Knicks-Hawks playoff series on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The players

Knicks

The New York Knicks are an NBA team based in New York City and a longtime rival of the Atlanta Hawks.

Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks are an NBA team based in Atlanta, Georgia and a longtime rival of the New York Knicks.

Trae Young

A star player for the Atlanta Hawks who has been a target of ire from Knicks fans in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to give the fans a chance to really let loose and show their passion for the team. Throwing eggs at a Hawks supporter is a time-honored tradition.”

— James Dolan, Knicks Owner

What’s next

The Knicks and Hawks will tip off Game 1 of their playoff series at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, April 19, 2026.

The takeaway

This stunt is a controversial attempt by the Knicks organization to rile up their fanbase and capitalize on the long-standing rivalry between the two teams, though some may view it as going too far in encouraging fan aggression.