The NBA has always used Martin Luther King Jr. Day to honor the iconic civil rights leader with thrilling basketball games, adhering to the NBA’s MLK Day Tradition since 1986, with the exception of the 1998-99 season. However, this year marks an unprecedented break from this revered tradition, leaving fans, especially Atlanta Hawks’ star Trae Young, fuming.
NBA’s MLK Day Tradition Crumbles: College Football Takes Over Atlanta
In a surprising twist for the 2024-25 season, the Hawks will not host their customary MLK Day game. Instead, the Atlanta team will play against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The move has not only defied the Hawks’ 29-year tradition of hosting but has also sparked outrage among fans and players alike. Young expressed his frustration on X, stating, “MLK disappointed in y’all.. @NBA I’m sorry Atlanta,” showcasing his discontent with the league’s decision.
Adding fuel to the fire, the game won’t even be covered by TNT or NBA TV. Instead, these networks will focus on other matchups, leaving the Hawks’ game largely out of the spotlight. For fans used to high-profile coverage, this snub feels like a bitter blow.
Atlanta, as the birthplace of MLK, has a deep connection with the civil rights movement. The Hawks have shown their commitment by donning MLK jerseys and erecting a tribute wall at the State Farm Arena. Yet, the 2025 schedule shifts focus away from this tradition. Why the sudden change?
The answer lies in a high-stakes college football showdown. After a six-year hiatus, the College Football National Championship is set to return to Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on MLK Day, January 20, 2025. This clash between college football giants has displaced the NBA’s plans, with the Hawks finding themselves as mere spectators in their own city.
The recent expansion of the college football playoff bracket to 12 teams has also contributed to the scheduling clash. With more games and an extended playoff period, the championship now coincides with MLK Day, a scheduling headache for the NBA. The shift was confirmed by The Athletic’s John Hollinger, who noted, “No MLK game for Hawks is wild, but I believe this is because NCAA football championship is happening right next door that day.”
While the Hawks’ absence from the MLK Day lineup is a blow, it’s worth noting that their record on this day is impressive. With 32 games, the Hawks are tied for third-most played on MLK Day, boasting a strong 32-22 win record. Yet, without the home-court advantage, their chances against the Knicks, a team they’ve struggled with, seem daunting.
In contrast, the Memphis Grizzlies, another team with a history of playing on MLK Day, will host their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Memphis. This city, closely tied to MLK’s legacy, will see its tribute aired on TNT, offering a stark contrast to the Hawks’ predicament.
In sum, the NBA’s break from its MLK Day tradition to accommodate college football has left a bitter taste for fans and players alike. As the league grapples with this scheduling conflict, the Hawks’ loyal supporters are left questioning the future of this cherished tradition.
Comments