Following the Knicks’ heartbreaking loss in game one to the Hawks, many criticized Trae Young for taunting the MSG crowd after hitting the game-winning shot with 0.9 seconds left. Other criticized the Garden crowd for its “F-k Trae Young” chants that were heard throughout the night.
Knicks guard Derrick Rose doesn’t want to hear those complaints from either side.
“That’s basketball,” Rose said on Wednesday morning. “The league’s gotten so soft. That’s basketball. He came in, he played a great game. The crowd is supposed to do that. His reaction is supposed to be that way. It’s supposed to amp up and bring the atmosphere and environment to where it is right now. That’s what I’m used to.”
Rose, one of the only members of the New York roster that has played in multiple playoff series, recalls much more hostile environments in previous years, ones which would go over even worse than some profanity-laced jeers towards the opposing team’s superstar if they were to happen today.
“I’ve been in series where drinks were thrown on parents, people’s moms,” Rose said. “You’re on the court and you see your mom get a beer splashed on her. That’s the environment I’m used to. Now it’s a little different.”
Rose had no problem with Young shushing the crowd after his game-winning floater and yelling “It’s quiet as f-k in here!” immediately afterward, but just like if fans have a problem with Young’s reaction after hearing it from the crowd all night, Young should be prepared for an even ruder welcoming in game two after his taunting in game one.
“That’s part of the game, when you have both sides fighting for something and you’ve been working your butt off all year,” Rose said. “You wanna talk sh--t, talk sh--t, it’s alright, but next game it’s gonna be tougher.”
The Knicks and Hawks tip off for game two on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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