Over the last two weeks, Trae Young became the biggest villain on the MSG hardwood since Reggie Miller…and much like Reggie's Pacers ousted the Knicks from the playoffs in '95, '98, and 2000, Young's Hawks bounced the 'Bockers from the postseason this year.
And, following a Game 5 performance where Young dropped 36 points and nine assists, he took a bow after hitting the step-back three that gave him his final points of the series in its final minute.
The reason? Just trying to be part of the NYC culture.
"I did that in high school after hitting a game-winner, and leading up to this game, I know where we are," Young said after Game 5. "I know there are a bunch of shows in this city, and I know what they do when the show is over, so that's pretty much what it was."
There wasn't much the Knicks could do other than give Young dap for his performance, even as the MSG crowd continued to love to hate the burgeoning star.
"Prior to this series, even, I've always been a fan of his game," Derrick Rose, who was seen talking to Young after the final buzzer, said postgame. It was great basketball. He's part of the new era of point guards, where he's small and has to be crafty. His basketball IQ is very high and he's a tough load. His teammates and coaches believe in him, and everything is falling into place for Trae over there."
Even coach Tom Thibodeau gave it up for Young, whose 36 and 9 gave him averages of 29.2 points and 9.8 assists for the series.
"He's clever. He's very good with the ball," Thibodeau said. "He can shoot, he can pass. I think he's really grown this year, and he's done a great job for their team. Hat's off to him. He's a terrific talent."
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