Knicks vs. Hawks got chippy again in Game 5 after Julius Randle threw an elbow (Video)

The New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks got heated again after Julius Randle threw an elbow in Game 5.

Emotions are always high during the NBA Playoffs, but the tension between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks is palpable at this stage. We’ve already seen a Knicks fan spit on Trae Young, him taunt them after a game-winner in Game 1, New Yorkers celebrating outside MSG like they’d won the Finals in Game 2 and Hawks fans ruthlessly chanting “overrated” at Julius Randle in Game 3. It’s a series full of swagger and obnoxiousness, to say the least.

With the Hawks now up 3-1 and looking to close things out on Wednesday, it seems the Knicks won’t go down without a fight. Game 5 got heated early when Julius Randle threw an elbow after a defensive rebound in the first quarter. Knicks fans were initially delighted until the refs called the obvious offensive foul.

Knicks-Hawks Game 5 getting violent

Unfortunately, Randle’s elbow was just the beginning. Minutes later, the game continued to get feistier. The refs called New York’s Taj Gibson for a Flagrant 1 on a potentially dangerous play.

Then, right before halftime, Nerlens Noel and Solomon Hill had to be separated when a fight broke out.

In case you’re wondering, Randle dropped the ball on Young near the end of the half, then Nerlens Noel bumped into him on purpose at half-court. Solomon Hill saw what happened to his teammate and bumped Noel right back. Long story short, these two teams really hate each other right now.

Look, we understand playoff games are more physical and can get chippy, especially in series-clinching games with a close score. NBA stars are only human, and emotions are inevitable with world-class competitors. With that being said, we hope to see this series concludes – one way or another – without any more senseless fouls that could lead to serious injury.