New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio took time out of his press conference to deliver an “important” message as the Knicks get set for game two against the Hawks on Wednesday night.
The mayor, sporting a Knicks hat during his press conference, changed subjects to the hardwood to call out Atlanta point guard Trae Young, who torched New York for 32 points and silenced the Madison Square Garden crowd with the game-winning shot in game one.
“This is about basketball,” de Blasio said. “I have an important, official announcement. This is very serious. I want to get this message out to Trae Young on behalf the people of New York City and anyone who cares about playing basketball the right way. Stop hunting for fouls, Trae.”
Young is known for infuriating opposing fans for his ability to draw fouls, and it was in full effect in game one, when Young went to the free throw line nine times and made them all, including a call on RJ Barrett in the fourth quarter that Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau challenged, but the call was upheld.
“I want to quote Steve Nash, a great player, great coach,” de Blasio said. “He says, ‘That’s not basketball.’ Trae, that hawk is not gonna fly in New York City. Come on. Play the game the right way and see if you can win.”
Young ranked third in the NBA this season in free throws attempted with 546, behind only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid, and had by far the highest mark for a guard, with Damian Lillard next in line at 484. Limiting Young’s free throw attempts will be a key focus for the Knicks in game two, but de Blasio thinks Wednesday night will go a lot differently than Sunday’s heartbreak.
“I think the Knicks are gonna teach you a lesson,” de Blasio said.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch