{"id":711648,"date":"2026-04-16T09:00:48","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T09:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/711648\/"},"modified":"2026-04-16T09:00:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T09:00:48","slug":"zohran-mamdani-breaks-down-knicks-playoff-chances-and-has-a-plan-for-mitchell-robinsons-toenail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/711648\/","title":{"rendered":"Zohran Mamdani Breaks Down Knicks’ Playoff Chances and Has a Plan for Mitchell Robinson’s Toenail"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

NYC Mayor Went on a Podcast, Got Asked About the Knicks<\/p>\n

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is not just running a city; he\u2019s one of the biggest Knicks fans in it. In a recent appearance on the SideTalk NYC podcast We Outside, Mamdani spoke openly about the Knicks\u2019 playoff chances, shouted out the roster by name, and even had something to say about Mitchell Robinson\u2019s now-viral toenail moment.<\/p>\n

Mayor Mamdani on the Knicks\u2019 Championship\"Jalen<\/p>\n

GettyJalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks<\/a><\/p>\n

When host asked Mamdani about the Knicks\u2019 chances of winning a championship during his term as mayor, the response was instant and unfiltered.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot to be yay. I mean, Jaylen Brunson, Mo, Aara \u2014 we\u2019re going to see my boy shine in the playoffs,\u201d Mamdani said on the podcast.<\/p>\n

He also addressed the chaos a Knicks title would cause.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a New Yorker, you\u2019re like, I cannot wait for this. As the mayor, absolute chaos. Absolute chaos,\u201d he added, laughing.<\/p>\n

Mitchell Robinson\u2019s Viral Toenail<\/p>\n

Only in New York. Knicks center Mitchell Robinson recently went viral after posting his ripped-off toenail on Instagram. In a now-legendary two-part story, Robinson first posted: \u201cHey guys look it\u2019s my toenail I ripped off. Ima keep it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The next morning, he returned with the signed toenail and a poll asking followers: \u201cAnyone want a signed toenail?\u201d 49% said yes, 51% said no.<\/p>\n

Mitchell Robinson on IG:<\/p>\n

Last night This morning <\/p>\n

Mamdani, naturally, had thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf Mitch keeps signing toenails, who knows? Frame it in City Hall. That\u2019s what I\u2019m saying \u2014 we would put it up,\u201d he said on We Outside.<\/p>\n

Knicks Enter Playoffs as Heavy Favorites\"Jalen<\/p>\n

GettyJalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks<\/p>\n

The\u200b\u200d\u200b\u200c\u200d\u200b\u200d\u200c\u200b\u200d\u200b\u200c\u200d\u200b\u200d\u200c New York Knicks (53-29) are starting the 2026 NBA playoffs on April 18 when they will play the Atlanta Hawks<\/a> (46-36) in a best-of-seven series in the first round.<\/p>\n

Knicks are very strong favorites, as per ESPN, they have a 69.5% chance of winning the first game at Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n

The Knicks outperformed the Hawks 2-1 in the regular season games, with the final win being a 108-105 one in early April.<\/p>\n

Jalen Brunson is the main man on the floor, and Mamdani has expressed that he thinks JB is perfectly poised for his moment in the spotlight of the \u200b\u200d\u200b\u200c\u200d\u200b\u200d\u200c\u200b\u200d\u200b\u200c\u200d\u200b\u200d\u200cplayoffs.<\/p>\n

Mamdani, the Knicks Logo, and Even Trump Got Involved<\/p>\n

Mamdani\u2019s relationship with the Knicks<\/a> has not always been smooth. During his mayoral campaign in October 2025, his team used an altered Knicks logo that read \u201cNew York Zohran\u201d in a campaign ad. The Knicks quickly responded with a cease-and-desist letter, stating that they did not endorse Mamdani and that they would pursue all legal remedies.<\/p>\n

But the story did not stop there. Shortly after, the White House posted the same Knicks logo<\/a> on official social media with the message \u201cTrump is your President,\u201d appearing to mock Mamdani following his election win. The Knicks reached out to the White House directly, and the post was quietly deleted.<\/p>\n

In response, a Knicks spokesperson said: \u201cThe Knicks remain neutral on political matters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite the legal drama, Mamdani has remained one of the team\u2019s most vocal public supporters.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJayesh Pagar<\/a> Jayesh Pagar is a writer at Heavy Sports, covering the New York Knicks and other NBA teams. He brings four years of experience across digital sports media, including NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football. He covered as the Knicks beat writer for ONSI and has written for PFSN, Sporting News, and ClutchPoints. More about Jayesh Pagar<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Knicks\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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