Trae Young fires back at Zohran Mamdani after New York mayor jokingly blames star for Knicks-Hawks ticket prices

Young was referring to the 2021 playoffs after Game 1 of a high-tension series between the Knicks and Hawks, when the guard had 32 points and a game-winner in Madison Square Garden.

After that game, New York mayor Bill de Blasio called out Young.

"This is very serious, want to get this message to Trae Young on behalf of the people for New York City and anybody that cares about playing basketball the right way: Stop hunting for fouls, Trae,” de Blasio said, per the New York Post.

In response, Young wound up averaging 29.2 points and 9.8 assists throughout the series as the Knicks lost in five games — also building a rivalry with New York's fanbase along the way.

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What did Zohran Mamdani say about Trae Young?

At a press conference on Thursday, Mamdani was asked why it's so expensive to get into a Knicks playoff game at Madison Square Garden, while a Hawks playoff game was around $80 to get in.

"I would say that I blame Trae Young... and I think it's always important to blame Trae Young," Mamdani jokingly said.

The mayor then provided a real answer about how sports have become a "luxury commodity" and that he's hopeful for a Knicks championship this year.

"I do wish that these tickets were more affordably priced," Mamdani said.

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