Key Takeaways:
- CJ McCollum secured Atlanta’s 109-108 win against New York with a decisive jumper 12.5 seconds from time
- Jalen Johnson was the Hawks top scorer with 24 points, while OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 29
- The Hawks now hold a 2-1 lead in the first-round playoff series, with Game 4 scheduled for Saturday in Atlanta
Dramatic Conclusion as Hawks Edge Ahead in Series
CJ McCollum once again proved the difference against the New York Knicks, hitting a clinching fadeaway from 15 feet with 12.5 seconds left to hand the Atlanta Hawks a 109-108 victory in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. The result, clinched at State Farm Arena on Thursday night, gives Atlanta a 2-1 overall advantage in the series.
After starring in the previous game at Madison Square Garden, McCollum delivered another pivotal moment. Receiving the ball with Atlanta trailing by a point in the closing seconds, he rose to the occasion, capping his night with 23 points. Atlanta’s coach, Quin Snyder, praised both McCollum’s shooting and his squad’s teamwork, stating, “They work, they share. That’s the thing about this group that I’ve enjoyed so much.”
Playoff moment pic.twitter.com/kPEGBf6o9u
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 24, 2026
Momentum Shifts and Critical Plays
Atlanta established early control, racing out to an 18-point lead in the first half. The Knicks, however, mounted a spirited response, ultimately taking a 108-105 advantage after Jalen Brunson completed a three-point play with 1:03 left. Jalen Johnson responded for Atlanta, laying in a crucial shot as part of his 24-point outing.
New York had an opportunity to extend their advantage when Josh Hart missed a three-pointer but grabbed the offensive rebound. However, they could not beat the shot clock on their next possession. The final moments saw Jalen Brunson lose possession as the buzzer sounded, allowing Atlanta to escape with a slender margin of victory.
Knicks coach Mike Brown voiced his disappointment after the match, saying, “You couldn’t ask for anything better than that. Less than a minute to go in the game and a chance to go up by three.” Brown also expressed frustration with refereeing decisions but acknowledged that his team must make smarter choices in future contests.
Noteworthy Performances and Game Statistics
Jalen Johnson paced the Hawks with his 24 points, while Jonathan Kuminga made a significant impact from the bench, contributing 21 points. McCollum added 23, including the game-winner. The Knicks’ OG Anunoby led all scorers with 29, Brunson supplied 26, and Karl-Anthony Towns ended on 21 points.
McCollum’s influence was felt from the outset, opening Atlanta’s scoring with a step-back three-pointer and amassing 16 points by half-time. His efforts extended to the defensive end, where he denied Hart in transition, forcing a turnover by sending the ball off Hart’s foot as possession returned to Atlanta.
| Player | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Jalen Johnson | Atlanta Hawks | 24 |
| CJ McCollum | Atlanta Hawks | 23 |
| Jonathan Kuminga | Atlanta Hawks | 21 |
| OG Anunoby | New York Knicks | 29 |
| Jalen Brunson | New York Knicks | 26 |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | New York Knicks | 21 |
First-Half Swings and Key Runs
Atlanta overwhelmed New York in the opening quarter, outscoring them 27-12 in the final seven minutes, which included an 11-0 surge fuelled by three consecutive 3-pointers. Significant contributors included Mouhamed Gueye, given space by the Knicks, and Kuminga, who nailed back-to-back threes to ignite the crowd.
However, the Knicks responded by ending the half with a 12-2 run, reducing Atlanta’s once formidable lead to 58-50 at the break.
What Lies Ahead
The tightly contested series now shifts focus to Game 4, scheduled for Saturday in Atlanta, with the Hawks holding a 2-1 lead. The Knicks will seek to bounce back, while Atlanta hope to build on their momentum to tighten their grip on the series.
