Few players might as take as much joy driving a dagger into the New York Knicks’ heart as Trae Young. Since entering the NBA in 2018, the Atlanta Hawks’ star has developed a reputation for being a “Knick killer” of sorts — especially when he gets to play at Madison Square Garden.
On Wednesday night, Young had a presumptuous plan for a matchup with the Knicks at the Garden. In a gesture of presumed confidence, the point guard wore shoes that read “King of Broadway.” They were undoubtedly in reference to his joy in playing well and beating the Knicks in their home digs whenever he can.
Trae Young brought out a new “King of Broadway” colorway of his adidas Trae 2 against the Knicks 👀 pic.twitter.com/cK8nXaW1a3
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) December 8, 2022
Oh wow, those look pretty slick! Now, if only Young’s gesture actually resulted in a stellar performance and win.
While Young wore his Knicks-oriented shoes, New York blew the doors off the Hawks in a 113-89 victory. Of course, Atlanta was without three usual starters, including Dejounte Murray. Knowing that Young wore the shoes anyway! And he still shot just 9-of-20 from the field (zero makes from three) in a 19-point, six-assist, four-rebound, and four-turnover performance. It’s not a completely awful stat line, but it’s not exactly the performance of a “King of Broadway” in a 24-point loss for his team.
And for someone who enjoys beating the Knicks so much, it’s worth noting Young has actually lost to them more often than he’s enjoyed any victories:
Trae Young was warming up in Knicks-colored sneakers with “King of Broadway” written on them.
After tonight, he’s is now 8-12 vs the Knicks in his career (including playoffs) pic.twitter.com/T3QcEmi7DJ
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) December 8, 2022
To be fair to Young, he’s become one of the NBA’s best players precisely because of his confidence. But man, this Knicks shoe stunt couldn’t have gone worse for the Hawks’ star while in New York.
NBA fans roasted Young for his "King of Broadway" shoes after the Knicks blew the Hawks out
Trae Young wore “King of Broadway” shoes to MSG tonight.
He went 9-20 and lost by 24 to the Knicks. 😳 pic.twitter.com/EG5CkJRn0q
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 8, 2022
Trae Young pulled up to MSG with "The King of Broadway" on his shoes tonight just to lose by 24 points pic.twitter.com/w51ITYmF7H
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) December 8, 2022
Trae Young rocked “King of Broadway” shoes to MSG tonight and lost by 24?? pic.twitter.com/rHDdATsYSy
— Gardner Royce (@GardnerRoyceTV) December 8, 2022
Trae Young wore “King of Broadway” shoes to MSG tonight vs New York. Atlanta lost by 24 to the Knicks. 😂😂😂 #NBA
— Stefan Schröder (@RealStefanS) December 8, 2022
the “ king of broadway “ trae young with a strong 19 on 20 shots 🔥🔥🔥
— Guilded 🥷🏾 (@Guilded_) December 8, 2022
how trae young gonna call himself “king of broadway” when i can name 10 players who were better performers at the garden
— 🇨🇦𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑱𝑺𝒁𝑵🇵🇭 (10-13, 9-3) (@playcampls) December 8, 2022
Trae Young wears “King of Broadway” sneakers in NYC and then proceeds to get blown out in the Garden pic.twitter.com/8Dc3hvVED7
— #KnicksTape 11-13 🇳🇬 (@WillQGTM) December 8, 2022
Trae Young King of Broadway😈 pic.twitter.com/jboqyCS1LD
— pete (@sweetretep) December 8, 2022
King of what ? 😂😂 https://t.co/32yi027418
— SBIV🇵🇷 (@SBIV99) December 8, 2022
https://t.co/NMiqO0A3cU pic.twitter.com/i9UHznWPDn
— Kazeem Famuyide 🇳🇬 🍎 (@Kazeem) December 8, 2022