Brunson's Response to Hartenstein

In a recent post-game interview, former New York Knicks player Isaiah Hartenstein took a dig at Trae Young, claiming that if he were still on the Knicks, he wouldn’t have allowed Young to celebrate on the Knicks' logo during the Hawks’ victory at Madison Square Garden.

Brunson, the current captain of the Knicks, offered a straightforward retort: “We’ll never know.” His response suggests a sense of resignation but also highlights the competitive spirit that defines the Knicks’ rivalry with the Atlanta Hawks.

Young's Controversial Celebration

Young, notorious among Knicks fans for his antics during the 2021 playoffs, delighted in a dramatic display at the game’s conclusion by faux-rolling dice on New York’s emblem, an act that was met with mixed emotions from the Knicks players and fans alike. Hartenstein, who spent the last two seasons with the Knicks before signing with the Oklahoma City Thunder, expressed his loyalty to New York by saying, “I wouldn’t have let him roll the dice on midcourt. I would’ve done something. I’ve always got love for New York.”

Brunson's Perspective

However, Brunson maintained that the real issue was not the celebration itself, but rather the fact that the Knicks let the game slip away. “Do I have an issue with it? Yeah, but he won; they won,” he stated. “So why put in false and fake energy to do something like that when you could’ve focused that energy on trying to win the game? That’s just my point of view on it.”

Injury Updates

In other Knicks-related news, there’s been recent speculation about Mitchell Robinson’s recovery timeline following left ankle surgery. A report from ESPN indicated he might not return until late January or early February. However, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau seemed surprised by the timeline, stating, “I haven’t heard that...he's following a protocol, going step by step and when he’s ready, he’s ready.”

Thibodeau on Robinson's Recovery

Coach Thibodeau emphasized the importance of patience and the necessity for Robinson to clear several steps before returning to practice. In the interim, rookie Ariel Hukporti has been able to participate in some activities despite nursing a sprain and will not play in the upcoming game against the Orlando Magic.

Looking Ahead

As the Knicks navigate the ongoing challenges of the season, with injuries and intense rivalries at play, fans are watching closely to see how they respond both on and off the court. Will tensions simmer down, or will rivalries like that with Trae Young continue to fuel the fire as the season progresses? Stay tuned!