In a finish that will be debated in Atlanta for weeks, the New York Knicks narrowly escaped State Farm Arena with a 108-105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. The game reached a fever pitch in the final second when CJ McCollum appeared to send the contest into overtime with a miraculous half-court heave, only for a quick officiating review to silence the home crowd and secure New York’s 51st win of the season.
The Shot That Wasn't: CJ McCollum’s Buzzer-Beater Overturned
With just 1.2 seconds remaining on the clock, Jalen Brunson sank two clutch free throws to give the Knicks a three-point cushion. Without any timeouts left, the Hawks were forced to go the length of the floor. McCollum received the inbounds pass near the free-throw line, took two rapid dribbles, and launched a desperate, high-arcing shot from the midcourt logo.
The ball banked off the glass and through the net as the horn sounded, sending the Atlanta faithful into a frenzy. However, the celebration was short-lived. Lead officials immediately signaled for a video review, which clearly showed the ball was still in McCollum’s fingertips as the red LED lights on the backboard illuminated. The basket was waved off, preserving the 108-105 victory for the Knicks and snapping Atlanta’s impressive 13-game home winning streak.
Jalen Brunson’s Fourth-Quarter Masterclass
While the final review provided the drama, it was the late-game heroics of Jalen Brunson that put the Knicks in a position to win. Brunson finished the night with a team-high 30 points and 13 assists, but his impact was most felt in the final period. The All-Star point guard scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter alone, essentially carrying the New York offense on his back as the Hawks surged.
Brunson was responsible for 14 of New York’s final 16 points. His tiebreaking 19-footer with 29.8 seconds left gave the Knicks a lead they would not relinquish. Despite being hounded by Hawks defenders, Brunson’s ability to find his spots in the midrange proved to be the difference-maker in a game that featured 12 lead changes.
Towns and the Knicks' Interior Dominance
Supporting Brunson’s perimeter play was a massive performance from Karl-Anthony Towns. The veteran big man dominated the third quarter, scoring 14 of his 21 points in that frame to help New York erase a halftime deficit. Towns finished the game with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, providing the interior gravity necessary to open up shooting lanes for the Knicks' wings.
The Knicks went on a pivotal 17-6 run in the final six minutes of the third quarter, largely fueled by Towns' versatility. His ability to stretch the floor and facilitate from the high post neutralized the Hawks' defensive rotations, allowing New York to enter the fourth quarter with an 81-79 lead.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Leads Resilient Hawks Effort
Despite the loss, the Atlanta Hawks showed why they have been one of the toughest home teams in the NBA this season. Nickeil Alexander-Walker delivered a career-best performance, leading all scorers with 36 points. Alexander-Walker was on fire from the jump, scoring 20 points in the first half to give Atlanta a 57-53 lead at the break.
The Hawks also saw significant contributions from Jalen Johnson, who recorded his 48th double-double of the season with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Dyson Daniels added 11 points and 12 rebounds of his own, while McCollum finished with 17 points. The Hawks' depth was tested early as they played without Jock Landale (ankle sprain), but the addition of veteran center Tony Bradley, who was signed earlier in the day, provided some much-needed relief in the paint.
Playoff Implications and What’s Next
With this win, the New York Knicks (51-28) continue to solidify their standing near the top of the Eastern Conference. The victory marks their 10th win in their last 13 outings, keeping them in the hunt for a top-three seed. For the Hawks (45-34), the loss is a minor setback in what has been a stellar second half of the season, though they remain firmly in the playoff picture.
The Knicks will head back home to host the Boston Celtics on Thursday night in what could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals. Meanwhile, the Hawks will look to start a new winning streak when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
Sources & Original Reporting
