The first-round matchup between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks has been must-watch television through the first two games. Madison Square Garden was wild, and Trae Young and Julius Randle have been a joy to see in the playoff atmosphere. Unfortunately, Game 2 was overshadowed by a spitting incident involving a fan and Young.
The Knicks All-Star and Most Improved Player of the Year was not happy with the incident and didn't hold back one bit.
“I definitely didn’t see it but there’s no place for that, man,’’ Randle said according to Marc Berman of The New York Post. “I don’t care if it’s our home crowd or not, there’s no place for that. We’ve got to protect the players. That’s disrespectful.
Randle is absolutely right. It doesn't matter where it takes place, that is unacceptable behavior for any fan base. After a year with no fans and the previous playoffs in the Orlando Bubble, it's been upsetting to see incidents such as that one. Ja Morant's family dealt with inappropriate language towards his family in Game 2 against the Utah Jazz, and Russell Westbrook got popcorn dumped on him in Philadelphia as he left the game early due to an injury.
Randle went on to elaborate more and is furious. Despite it being a Knicks fan, he is not pleased with such behavior and speaks the truth that everybody feels regarding such incidents.
“Yeah, it’s our fans and I love our fans, but you see a guy on the street you wouldn’t spit on him. You wouldn’t disrespect somebody like that. I don’t care what arena it’s in, whose fan base it is, there’s absolutely no place for disrespecting anybody in any capacity and especially spitting on him.”
The behavior has overshadowed the thrilling series between two young, up-and-coming squads. The Hawks stole Game 1 off a Young floater, and the Knicks came back and clawed out a win in Game 2 as the series heads to Atlanta. As the series and playoffs go on, the hope is that fans stop this insane behavior and just enjoy playoff basketball at its finest.
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