The Atlanta Hawks have reclaimed the driver's seat in their first-round playoff matchup. In a heart-pounding finish on Thursday night, veteran guard CJ McCollum delivered once again, hitting a high-stakes fadeaway jumper with just 12.5 seconds remaining to secure a 109-108 victory over the New York Knicks. With the win, Atlanta now holds a 2-1 Hawks vs Knicks series lead, shifting the pressure squarely onto New York ahead of Game 4.
McCollum’s Heroics Seal the Win
After a spectacular performance in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, McCollum proved that his clutch gene travels well. With the Hawks trailing by a point in the final seconds at State Farm Arena, the ball found its way to the veteran playmaker. McCollum isolated his defender and rose for a 15-foot fadeaway that found nothing but net, silencing the visiting New York contingent and sending the Atlanta crowd into a frenzy.
McCollum finished the night with 23 points, but it was his poise in the closing moments that defined the game. Following his go-ahead bucket, the Knicks had one final opportunity to steal the win. However, the Atlanta defense tightened, forcing Jalen Brunson into a turnover as the buzzer sounded, preventing New York from even getting a final shot attempt off.
Atlanta’s Depth Shines in the Hawks vs Knicks Series Lead
While McCollum provided the finishing touch, the Hawks’ success was built on a balanced offensive attack and significant contributions from their supporting cast. Jalen Johnson led the team in scoring with 24 points, showcasing his versatility and ability to attack the rim throughout the contest. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was the play of Jonathan Kuminga, who provided a massive spark off the bench with 21 points.
The Hawks established dominance early, utilizing an 11-0 run in the first quarter to build an 18-point lead. Atlanta’s bench outscored New York’s reserves 18-0 in the opening frame, a disparity that proved critical in a game decided by a single point. Coach Quin Snyder praised the collective effort, noting the team's willingness to share the ball and work for the best possible shot under pressure.
The Knicks’ Resilient Comeback Falls Short
Despite the early deficit, the New York Knicks refused to go quietly. Behind a team-high 29 points from OG Anunoby and 26 points from Jalen Brunson, New York methodically chipped away at the Atlanta lead. The Knicks finally surged ahead late in the fourth quarter when Brunson completed a three-point play with 1:03 remaining, giving New York a 108-105 advantage.
Karl-Anthony Towns was a force on the interior, recording a massive double-double with 21 points and 17 rebounds. However, the Knicks' inability to secure a clean possession in the final minute proved costly. After a missed three-pointer by Josh Hart, New York secured the offensive rebound but failed to beat the 24-second shot clock, turning the ball back over to Atlanta and setting the stage for McCollum’s game-winner.
Looking Ahead to Game 4
The intensity of the Hawks vs Knicks series lead is only expected to grow as the teams prepare for Game 4 on Saturday. New York coach Mike Brown expressed frustration with the late-game execution and officiating but emphasized that the team must make better decisions at the rim moving forward. For Atlanta, the goal remains simple: protect home court and move one step closer to the second round.
With the series currently standing at 2-1, the Hawks have the momentum, but as Game 3 proved, the margin for error in the NBA playoffs is razor-thin. Both teams will have little time to adjust before they meet again in Atlanta for what promises to be another physical, down-to-the-wire battle.
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