New York Mayor Bill de Blasio calls out Trae Young after Knicks’ loss to Hawks

The nature of the vitriol targeting Young stems in large part to the Hawks guard’s heroics in the closing seconds of Sunday’s Game 1, as well as the immediate moments afterward.

Young hit the game-winning floater on a drive to the basket with less than one second remaining to give the Hawks a thrilling 107-105 victory. What’s more, Young taunted the MSG crowd after his big shot, much to the chagrin of Knicks fans in attendance and those watching on television.

Young said after the game that he relishes the notion that Knicks fans may now view him as a villain.

“I definitely know the history of players coming in here and being hated,” Young said, according to ESPN’s Andrew Lopez. “Like I said, I take that as a compliment to be honest with you. Obviously I’m doing something right if you hate me that much. I embrace it and try to focus on my team and trying to help my team win. At the end of the day, we’ll get the last laugh if we do that.”

As far as de Blasio’s input is concerned, it wasn’t the first time the mayor has thrown his support behind a New York NBA team. Last week, de Blasio rocked Nets gear for a press event at Barclays Center.

The mayor was ridiculed on social media over his awkward Nets hat and jersey ensemble. The expectation is that the mayor may receive similar treatment for his Knicks cap, although the team’s fans will certainly support him vilifying Young.

In any event, Knicks fans will get their opportunity to boo Young to their hearts’ content once Game 2 tips off at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.