Following the New York Knicks' thrilling NBA Finals run against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, everyone from the players to the front office has been making the media rounds. This includes New York City Mayor Mamdani, who was asked about the team's incredible title run during a recent sit-down with CNN Business. However, it was the specific question posed to Mamdani that stood out: whether Wembanyama had officially dethroned longtime nemesis Trae Young as the ultimate Madison Square Garden nemesis.
Mamdani didn't disappoint when the topic of Wemby vs. Trae came up, showing that even after a physical series with Wemby, it will be hard to top Young.
"I'm not sure who that other guy is you're speaking of, but Victor Wembanyama is the most recent villain that we have vanquished," Mamdani said with a smile.
NYC Mayor Mamdani on if Victor Wembanyama is now a bigger villain than Trae Young
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 17, 2026
“I'm not sure who that other guy is you're speaking of”
(h/t @KnicksBeast) pic.twitter.com/alZHfg4sew
Mamdani's perfect response is proof that while new "villains" may come and go over the span of the season, a true rivalry, even with a specific player, never truly dies. And for Young, who's now a member of the Washington Wizards, a new team obviously doesn't mean a fresh start regarding his MSG rivalry, and that's not bound to change anytime soon, or likely ever.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Mayor Mamdani channels Knicks fans in Wemby-Trae villain debate