However, since it was a competition, there had to be a winner in the end.
Ultimately, Atlanta relied on its superior roster to win this hard-fought game and successfully advance to the first round.
Trae Young, the team's leader, played 39 minutes, shooting 9-for-20 from the field, 4-for-9 from three, and 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. He finished with 30 points, 4 rebounds, and 13 assists, leading his team to take down the arrogant New York Knicks on their home court.
I don't even know where an Eastern Conference ninth-place team got the nerve to say they'd play the Nets.
Some were celebrating while others were mourning. Atlanta's fans were thrilled by the victory, while Knicks fans were left howling in despair.
They couldn't believe they'd actually lost to a "lousy Hawks" team!
In their eyes, the Knicks should've been facing opponents like the Nets, Celtics, or Bucks. How could they lose to the Hawks?! It made no sense!
At the same time, Trae Young's outstanding performance in this game had greatly stirred up the already frenzied fans.
For some of them, a certain trait buried deep in their genes was beginning to show signs of awakening.
Congratulations all around! If the two teams met for another series next year, then Young's path to becoming Mayor of New York could probably be put on the schedule.
When the games on April 16 came to an end, the final list of teams for this season's Playoffs was officially set.
The four teams that had advanced to the first round were the Philadelphia 76ers, Hawks, Suns, and Lakers.
After that, the four teams had only a single day to rest.
The Playoffs would officially begin on April 17.
The first-round matchups were also officially confirmed that day.
In the Eastern Conference,