Atlanta Sports Teams Fuel Emerging Rivalry with Playful Social Media Exchange
A spirited cross-town rivalry is brewing in Atlanta, extending beyond the typical boundaries of professional sports. It all started with a football victory and quickly escalated into a playful back-and-forth between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Pelicans. This burgeoning dynamic is captivating fans and adding an extra layer of excitement to both NBA and NFL matchups.
The Spark: A Football Sack and a Social Media Jab
The Atlanta Falcons recently secured a decisive 24-10 win against the New Orleans Saints. During the game, Falcons defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro delivered a key sack on Saints quarterback Tyler Shough late in the fourth quarter.
Following the play, the Falcons’ social media team celebrated with a post on X (formerly Twitter), playfully declaring Orhorhoro had “marked safe from Derik Queen.” This seemingly innocuous comment ignited a engaging exchange with the Pelicans’ rookie centre.
Queen Responds: setting the Stage for a January Showdown
Derik Queen, the Pelicans’ first-round draft pick, quickly responded to the Falcons’ post. He didn’t shy away from the challenge, directly replying with the date and time of the Pelicans’ next game against the Hawks: January 7th at 6:30 PM Central Time.
This response signaled Queen’s willingness to engage in the pleasant rivalry and set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch. You can see his post here.
A Trade That Added Fuel to the Fire
Interestingly, Queen’s journey to New Orleans involved a trade with the Hawks. The Pelicans acquired him by trading the No. 23 pick in the 2025 NBA draft, along with an unprotected 2026 first-round pick, for the Hawks’ No. 13 pick.
This backstory adds another layer of intrigue to the developing rivalry, as Queen now has a direct connection to the team he’s playfully feuding with. He previously starred at Maryland, showcasing his potential as a dominant center.
on-Court Performance and Continued Banter
The hawks previously defeated the Pelicans 115-98 on Saturday, further escalating the playful tension. Queen, though, had a standout performance, scoring 20 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and recording 2 steals.
Notably, this marked his third consecutive game with 20+ points, a feat not accomplished by a Pelicans player as Zion Williamson in the 2019-20 season. This impressive performance demonstrates Queen’s growing impact and adds confidence to his playful exchanges.
What This Means for Fans
This cross-sport rivalry is a win for fans. It’s refreshing to see athletes and teams embrace a little friendly competition and engage with each other on social media.
Here’s what you can expect:
* Increased Excitement: The January 7th matchup between the Hawks and Pelicans will undoubtedly have a heightened level of energy.
* Engaging Content: Expect more playful banter and social media interactions leading up to the game.
* A Growing Narrative: This rivalry has the potential to become a long-term storyline, adding another dimension to the atlanta sports landscape.
Ultimately, the final game of the season between the Pelicans and Hawks in January will be a chance for Queen to have the last laugh. It’s a rivalry built on respect, competition, and a healthy dose of social media fun – something every sports fan can appreciate.
