NBA Roundup: Hawks Get By Knicks Again to Take 2-1 Series Lead

The Atlanta Hawks are proving that their regular-season magic is no fluke. In a thrilling, back-and-forth battle that had Madison Square Garden’s East Coast faithful holding their breath, Atlanta edged the New York Knicks 109-108 on Thursday night. The victory gives the Hawks a commanding 2-1 lead in their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series, and it was veteran guard CJ McCollum who delivered the dagger.

With just 12.7 seconds left on the clock, McCollum sank a 16-foot fadeaway jumper, capping a 23-point performance and silencing a Knicks team that had clawed back from an 11-point deficit. This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Atlanta is showing resilience, depth, and a killer instinct that could carry them deep into the postseason.

McCollum’s Clutch Gene Shines Brightest in the Big Apple

Let’s be honest: when the game is on the line, you want the ball in the hands of a proven scorer. McCollum, acquired mid-season for exactly these moments, didn’t disappoint. After a timeout with 16.4 seconds remaining, the Hawks inbounded to their sharpshooter, who calmly rose over his defender for a picture-perfect fadeaway. The shot gave Atlanta a 109-108 lead, and the defense held firm on the other end.

“He’s been there before,” said Hawks head coach Quin Snyder postgame. “CJ has that quiet confidence. He doesn’t get rattled.”

McCollum’s performance was a masterclass in composure. He shot 9-of-18 from the field, dished out five assists, and grabbed four rebounds. But his night wasn’t just about the final shot. He kept the Hawks afloat during a chaotic fourth quarter when the Knicks’ defense tightened. Key moments from McCollum:

• Scored 8 points in the final six minutes of regulation.
• Drew a critical foul on a three-point attempt that led to free throws.
• Played 38 minutes, showing no signs of fatigue despite the high stakes.

The Knicks, meanwhile, had their own hero in OG Anunoby, who poured in 29 points. But it wasn’t enough. New York’s inability to secure a defensive stop on the final possession—combined with a loose ball recovered by Jonathan Kuminga as time expired—sealed their fate.

Jalen Johnson’s Triple-Double Threat: The Unsung Hero

While McCollum grabbed the headlines, it was Jalen Johnson who quietly put together a near-triple-double that kept the Hawks in control. The versatile forward finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, missing a triple-double by just two dimes. His ability to attack the rim, stretch the floor, and facilitate offense was a nightmare for the Knicks’ defense.

Johnson’s growth this season has been a revelation. In Game 3, he was aggressive from the opening tip, scoring 12 points in the first half and setting the tone for Atlanta’s interior game. His bucket with under two minutes left cut the Knicks’ lead to 108-107, setting the stage for McCollum’s heroics.

Why Johnson is the X-factor:

• He shot 10-of-16 from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.
• His rebounding helped Atlanta win the battle on the glass 44-39.
• He guarded multiple positions, switching onto Brunson and Anunoby effectively.

If Johnson continues this level of play, the Hawks become a nightmare matchup. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a playmaker who makes everyone around him better. The Knicks have no answer for his size and skill combination.

Knicks’ Rally Falls Short: Brunson and Towns Can’t Close

New York had every chance to steal this game. Trailing 96-85 with 8:06 left in the fourth quarter, the Knicks mounted a furious comeback. Jalen Brunson (26 points) and Karl-Anthony Towns (21 points, 17 rebounds) led the charge, but it was Miles McBride’s clutch 3-pointer with 1:41 remaining that tied the game at 105-105. Brunson followed with a three-point play at the 1:03 mark, giving the Knicks a 108-107 lead.

But then came the collapse. Brunson’s airball on the next possession—a shot he’s made a hundred times—was the turning point. The Hawks pounced, forcing a shot-clock violation with 16.4 seconds left. On the final defensive stand, Atlanta swarmed Brunson, forcing a loose ball that Kuminga corralled as the buzzer sounded.

Key stats from the Knicks’ loss:

• OG Anunoby: 29 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals.
• Jalen Brunson: 26 points, 6 assists, but shot 2-of-7 in the fourth quarter.
• Karl-Anthony Towns: 21 points, 17 rebounds, but only 2 points in the final five minutes.
• Miles McBride: 12 points off the bench, including the game-tying triple.

The Knicks shot 46% from the field but were outscored 22-17 in fast-break points. Their inability to contain Atlanta’s transition offense—especially Johnson and Kuminga—proved costly. New York now faces a must-win Game 4 on their home floor.

Around the League: Barnes and Barrett Torch Cleveland

While Atlanta and New York were stealing the spotlight, the Toronto Raptors delivered a statement win of their own. Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett each dropped 33 points, leading Toronto to a dominant victory over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of their first-round series.

Barnes was unstoppable, shooting 13-of-20 from the floor and adding 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Barrett, facing his former team, played with a chip on his shoulder, hitting 12-of-19 shots and drilling four 3-pointers. The Raptors’ duo outscored Cleveland’s entire starting lineup in the second half, turning a tight game into a blowout.

What this means for the East:

• The Raptors now lead the series 2-1, with momentum firmly on their side.
• Cleveland’s defense, which was elite in Game 1, has been exposed by Toronto’s athleticism.
• Barnes is emerging as a playoff star—his versatility is a nightmare for any matchup.

If the Raptors can steal Game 4, they’ll put Cleveland on the brink of elimination. The East is suddenly wide open.

Expert Analysis: What the Hawks Must Do to Close Out the Series

Atlanta is in the driver’s seat, but history shows that a 2-1 lead is no guarantee. The Knicks are too talented and too proud to go quietly. Here’s what the Hawks need to focus on in Game 4:

1. Defend the Three-Point Line: The Knicks shot 38% from deep in Game 3. If Atlanta can hold them under 35%, they’ll control the tempo.

2. Keep Feeding Jalen Johnson: He’s the mismatch. When he attacks the paint, he collapses the defense and creates open looks for shooters like McCollum and Kuminga.

3. Limit Turnovers: The Hawks committed 14 turnovers, leading to 18 Knicks points. Clean that up, and they win comfortably.

4. Trust the Bench: Jonathan Kuminga scored 21 points off the bench. His energy and athleticism are a weapon that New York can’t match.

On the flip side, the Knicks need Jalen Brunson to be more efficient. He’s forcing shots and not getting to the free-throw line enough. If he can draw fouls and get to the stripe, New York’s offense becomes much harder to stop. Karl-Anthony Towns also needs to be more aggressive in the post—he settled for too many jumpers in the fourth quarter.

Strong Conclusion: The Hawks Are for Real

This series is far from over, but the Hawks have sent a clear message: they are not just a feel-good story. They are a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. With CJ McCollum providing clutch scoring, Jalen Johnson emerging as a star, and a bench that can erupt at any moment, Atlanta has the depth and the poise to make a deep run.

The Knicks, meanwhile, are staring at a 2-1 deficit that feels like 3-0. Their offense is too dependent on Brunson and Anunoby, and their defense has been inconsistent. If they can’t find a way to slow down Johnson and contain McCollum in crunch time, this series could be over in five games.

Game 4 is Saturday night in New York. Expect the Knicks to come out desperate, but don’t be surprised if the Hawks deliver another knockout punch. This team has the look of a group that believes in itself—and that’s the most dangerous kind of opponent in the playoffs.

Final Prediction: Hawks win Game 4, 112-106, and take a 3-1 series lead. McCollum drops another 25 points, and Johnson notches his first career playoff triple-double. The Knicks’ season hangs in the balance.

Source: Based on news from Deadspin.