Mamdani Blames Trae Young for Expensive Knicks Playoff Tickets

New York mayor's joke about Hawks star draws sharp response from NBA nemesis

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:44am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, clashing colors that breaks down a basketball game between the Knicks and Hawks into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes, capturing the intensity of their heated rivalry.The heated rivalry between the Knicks and Hawks, personified by the on-court battles between Trae Young and New York fans, is captured in a cubist, geometric painting that deconstructs the intensity of their matchups.NYC Today

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani jokingly blamed Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young for the high ticket prices at Madison Square Garden for the Knicks' first-round playoff series. However, Young, who has a history of antagonizing Knicks fans, fired back at Mamdani, reminding him of a previous incident involving former mayor Bill de Blasio.

Why it matters

The ongoing rivalry between Trae Young and the Knicks has become a major storyline in the NBA, with the Hawks guard often serving as a villain to New York fans. Mamdani's comments continue to stoke the flames of this feud, which has implications for the team's popularity and ticket sales.

The details

During a press conference, Mamdani jokingly blamed Young for the high ticket prices at MSG, saying 'First, I would say that I blame Trae Young.' Young, who was traded from the Hawks to the Wizards mid-season, responded on social media, referencing a previous incident in 2021 when then-mayor de Blasio called out Young's 'foul hunting' during the playoffs. Young went on to average 29.2 points and 9.8 assists as the Knicks were eliminated in five games, with fans chanting 'F--k Trae Young'.

  • In 2021, Trae Young hit a game-winning shot against the Knicks in Game 1 of their playoff series.
  • During the 2024-25 season, Young helped the Hawks defeat the Knicks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals and then stepped on the Knicks' logo at midcourt.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, known for his democratic socialist views.

Trae Young

An NBA star who has become a longtime nemesis of the New York Knicks, known for his on-court antics and ability to antagonize Knicks fans.

Bill de Blasio

The former mayor of New York City who publicly called out Trae Young's 'foul hunting' during the 2021 playoff series between the Knicks and Hawks.

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What they’re saying

“'First, I would say that I blame Trae Young,' Mamdani said jokingly, leading to some laughs. 'And I think it's always important to blame Trae Young.'”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“'Remember what happened the last time the Mayor of that City had my name in his mouth during a time like this…. #DontBlameMeWhenItHappensAgain,'”

— Trae Young

What’s next

Young's next opportunity to face the Knicks will come next season, whether he remains with the Wizards or not, as the Wizards did not qualify for the playoffs this year.

The takeaway

The ongoing feud between Trae Young and the Knicks continues to be a major storyline in the NBA, with the Hawks star's ability to antagonize New York fans making him a villain in the eyes of many. Mamdani's comments only add fuel to the fire, keeping this rivalry at the forefront of the basketball world.