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Rapper 50 Cent blames the New York Knicks' semi-final loss to the Indiana Pacers squarely on the shoulders of fellow artist Ja Rule.
The Knicks' playoff run came to an abrupt halt following a decisive 130-109 defeat in Game 7 against the Pacers, but the post-game fallout has taken an unexpected turn due to the rappers' ongoing feud.
50 Cent: "Who let this fool touch the trophy?"
The "In da Club" rapper took to X to voice his opinions, suggesting that Ja Rule's recent interaction with the Larry O'Brien Trophy was to blame for the Knicks' misfortune.
"If you're wondering why the Knicks couldn't get the W, here you have it. SMH who let this fool touch the trophy,"50 Cent posted, referencing Ja Rule's promotional appearance with the NBA championship trophy.
Ja Rule, a long-time Knicks fan, was seen handling and kissing the trophy as part of the NBA's promotional activities, which involve various celebrities.
This seemingly innocent gesture has now become fodder for 50 Cent's ongoing rivalry with Ja Rule, a feud that dates back to the early 2000s.
Despite both rappers hailing from New York, their animosity remains palpable and frequently makes headlines.
Their beef, which appeared to have simmered down around 2011, reignited in 2015 during the feud between Drake and Meek Mill and flared up again in early 2018.
In a March interview on "Piers Morgan Uncensored,"Ja Rule addressed the feud, describing it as one-sided.
"It's a one-sided thing, Piers. You never see me say anything about him. I just mind my business, do my business," Ja Rule stated.
However, 50 Cent's trolling was not the only drama surrounding the Knicks' exit from the playoffs.
Pacers' Haliburton leads trolling of Knicks following playoff win
The Indiana Pacers celebrated their victory with flair, particularly star player Tyrese Haliburton.
Haliburton, who scored 26 points on 10 of 17 shooting, including 6 of 12 from three-point range, was instrumental in the Pacers' win.
He also contributed four rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a block, showcasing a well-rounded performance.
Haliburton added to the post-game theatrics by arriving at the press conference in a hoodie featuring an iconic image of Pacers legend Reggie Miller making his infamous choke gesture from the 1994 Knicks-Pacers series.
When questioned about his attire, Haliburton played it off, claiming comfort was his primary concern for the flight home.
"We text every day. He's been a great mentor for me," Haliburton said of his relationship with Miller, adding that he wore the hoodie simply to stay comfy.
The Knicks' loss marks yet another disappointing end to a season filled with high hopes.
Despite their efforts, they were unable to overcome the Pacers, who demonstrated their dominance with a 21-point victory, the fourth-largest road win in Game 7 history.
For Knicks fans, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow considering the team's performances when they could count on a healthy squad.
As the dust settles on the Knicks' playoff dreams, the spotlight has now turned to the off-court drama, proving that the Knicks will always be a prominent topic of discussion among NBA fans, analysts... and rappers.