“It’s a long game. You’ve got to play to zero,” said CJ McCollum after leading the Atlanta Hawks to a thrilling 107-106 victory over the New York Knicks on April 20, 2026.
McCollum scored 32 points in the game. His performance proved crucial as the Hawks overcame a 12-point deficit after three quarters. The win tied the playoff series at one game apiece.
The Knicks had dominated for much of the game and were poised for victory. They led by 12 points entering the fourth quarter, a situation where they had previously been 40-1 in postseason history since 1954-55.
Yet, the Hawks mounted a furious comeback. They outscored the Knicks 28-15 in the final quarter. Jonathan Kuminga contributed significantly off the bench with 19 points, while Jalen Johnson added another 17 points for Atlanta.
Jalen Brunson led New York with 29 points but could not secure a win. In a tense finish, McCollum missed two free throws with just 5.6 seconds remaining. Mikal Bridges then had a chance to win it for the Knicks but missed a potential game-winning shot as time expired.
After the game, McCollum reflected on his missed free throws: “I gotta make my free throws. I’ll get in the gym on Wednesday and make sure I tighten up.”
Josh Hart expressed disappointment, stating, “This is a game we should have won.” His sentiment echoed through Madison Square Garden as fans felt the sting of a lost opportunity.
Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday night in Atlanta. The series continues to be highly competitive as both teams vie for advancement into the next round.
