CJ McCollum put on an impressive show, scoring 32 points as the Atlanta Hawks pulled off a surprising win against the New York Knicks, final score 107-106. This victory tied their first-round playoff series at one game each.
The Hawks were trailing for most of the game. At one point, they fell behind by 12 points in the third quarter. However, they clawed their way back, with McCollum hitting key shots to give Atlanta their first lead of the second half at 101-100 with just over two minutes to go. This comeback was fueled not only by McCollum’s scoring but also contributions from Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Johnson, who scored 19 and 17 points, respectively.
In a tense finish, McCollum’s late jumpers kept the Hawks ahead after the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson tied the game with a three-pointer. With just 33 seconds left, McCollum sealed the deal with another jumper to make it 105-103, helping Atlanta regain some momentum before their next game.
Interestingly, the Knicks held a solid 40-1 postseason record when leading by 12 points or more after three quarters since the shot clock was introduced. The only exception? A memorable game in 1994 when Reggie Miller scored 25 points in the fourth quarter to steal a victory.
After the game, McCollum reflected on the intense atmosphere at Madison Square Garden. “I think it’s admiration,” he said about the crowd’s reaction. “Great, passionate fans in a hostile environment. It’s fun, it’s basketball, it’s the playoffs.”
In their quest for a long playoff run, the Knicks aim to reach the second round for the fourth consecutive season, a feat not accomplished since the late 90s.
This matchup is shaping up to be quite the series. As teams begin to understand each other’s strategies, the intensity will only grow. Looking forward, the Hawks will host Game 3, hoping to capitalize on this momentum.
For further insights on playoff dynamics and team strategies, you can check out resources like the NBA’s official site and statistical breakdowns from Basketball Reference.
