The New York Knicks are preparing for their matchup with the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the NBA playoffs. During an address, mayor Zohran Mamdani was asked about how ticket prices in Atlanta being much cheaper than in the Big Apple.
“80 bucks to get in the door in Atlanta. So, I’m wondering if you think the Knicks need to be doing more (to make things affordable)?” a reporter asked Mamdani.
“I think first I would say that I blame Trae Young,” Mamdani responded, ” and that I think it’s always important to blame Trae Young.”
Zohran Mamdani on the high cost of Knicks playoff tickets vs Atlanta:
“I would say that I blame Trae Young… and I think it’s always important to blame Trae Young”
Young infamously has a longstanding fued with the city of New York, dating back to him “rolling dice” as a celebration on the Knicks’ midcourt logo after an upsetting New York in a playoff series.
It’s something Young remembers just as well as New Yokers.
“Remember what happened the last time the Mayor of that City had my name in his mouth during a time like this,” Young responded on X.
(h/t @MrBuckBuckNBA) pic.twitter.com/yDvVZHAqRX
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 16, 2026
Mamdani proceeded to discuss sports turning into a “luxury commodity” and New Yorkers being financially pushed out of things that they should all be able to participate and take joy in.
The mayor also said that he remains hopeful in the Knicks’ ability to win a title this season. New York and Atlanta will tip off game 1 on Saturday at 6:00 est. on Prime Video.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.