CJ McCollum's jumper gives Hawks 2-1 series lead vs. Knicks

In a heart-pounding Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference First Round, CJ McCollum cemented his status as the newest postseason hero in Atlanta. With just 12.5 seconds remaining on the clock, McCollum buried a clinical fadeaway jumper over the New York Knicks defense to secure a thrilling 109-108 victory for the Atlanta Hawks. This high-stakes victory at State Farm Arena has propelled the Hawks to a 2-1 lead in the series, shifting the momentum firmly in favor of the home team as they look to capitalize on their home-court advantage. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, witnessing a back-and-forth battle that saw Atlanta blow an 18-point lead only to reclaim glory in the final seconds of regulation.

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks 109-108 on April 23, 2026, to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. CJ McCollum hit the game-winning jumper with 12.5 seconds left, finishing with 23 points. Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 24 points, while Jonathan Kuminga added 21 off the bench. Despite OG Anunoby's 29 points and Jalen Brunson's 26 for New York, a late turnover by Brunson sealed the Knicks' fate in front of a raucous Atlanta crowd.

The Shot That Defined the Night: McCollum's Clutch Performance

When the Atlanta Hawks traded for CJ McCollum earlier this year, they were looking for veteran poise and a scoring threat who wouldn't blink in the playoffs' brightest moments. Thursday night provided the ultimate validation of that move. With the Hawks trailing by one point and the season's momentum hanging in the balance, McCollum took the ball, isolated his defender, and rose for a 15-foot fadeaway. The ball snapped through the net with 12.5 seconds left, silencing the visiting Knicks fans and igniting a frenzy in State Farm Arena.

McCollum finished the game with 23 points, but it was his efficiency and timing that told the real story. He has quickly embraced the role of the "closer" for this Hawks roster. After a spectacular Game 2 performance at Madison Square Garden, where he embraced the "villain" persona, McCollum returned home to play the hero. His ability to create space and hit difficult shots under pressure has become the x-factor in a series that many experts predicted would favor the higher-seeded Knicks.

Jalen Johnson and Jonathan Kuminga: The Engine Room of the Hawks

While McCollum hit the game-winner, the Hawks would not have been in a position to win without the relentless energy of Jalen Johnson and Jonathan Kuminga. Johnson was the leading scorer for Atlanta, racking up 24 points and showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. His ability to run the break and finish at the rim kept the Knicks' defense on its heels for much of the first half, helping Atlanta build a substantial 18-point cushion.

Off the bench, Jonathan Kuminga was nothing short of spectacular. Scoring 21 points, Kuminga provided the physical presence and explosive scoring that the Hawks needed during the second and third quarters. His three-pointers late in the first quarter sparked an 11-0 run that initially turned the game into a blowout. The young forward's development has been a significant narrative for Atlanta this season, and his performance in Game 3 proves he is ready for the playoff spotlight.

Knicks' Resilience: How New York Erased an 18-Point Deficit

The New York Knicks showed why they were one of the top seeds in the East by refusing to quit after a disastrous start. Trailing 58-50 at halftime and facing a raucous crowd, the Knicks leaned on their defensive identity and the scoring of OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson. Anunoby was a force, leading all scorers with 29 points, while Brunson added 26 points and distributed the ball effectively to orchestrate a comeback.

The Knicks managed to claw their way back into the game, eventually taking a 108-105 lead with just over a minute left following a clutch three-point play by Brunson. For a moment, it appeared that the Knicks would steal Game 3 and regain control of the series. However, missed opportunities and a failure to capitalize on offensive rebounds in the final minute left the door open for Atlanta’s late-game heroics.

A Tactical Masterclass: Quin Snyder vs. Mike Brown

The coaching battle between Quin Snyder and Mike Brown has been a fascinating subtext of this series. Snyder’s decision to utilize Mouhamed Gueye and Jonathan Kuminga in specific rotations caught the Knicks off guard in the first half. Snyder praised his team’s unselfishness after the game, noting that the group’s willingness to share the ball is their greatest strength. The Hawks' offense looked fluid, especially when they were able to transition quickly off Knicks' misses.

On the other side, Mike Brown expressed frustration with the officiating but acknowledged that his team’s execution down the stretch was the primary reason for the loss. Specifically, the Knicks' final possession—where Jalen Brunson turned the ball over without the team getting a shot off—will be scrutinized heavily in the film room. Brown’s ability to adjust the Knicks' perimeter defense will be crucial heading into Game 4, as they struggle to contain the Hawks' multifaceted scoring attack.

Statistic	Game 3 Totals
Final Score	Hawks 109, Knicks 108
Leading Scorer (ATL)	Jalen Johnson (24 PTS)
Leading Scorer (NYK)	OG Anunoby (29 PTS)
Game Winning Shot	CJ McCollum (12.5s left)
Series Lead	Hawks lead 2-1

The Turning Point: Defensive Stops in the Final Minute

The final sixty seconds of Game 3 were a microcosm of the entire series: physical, chaotic, and decided by the narrowest of margins. After the Knicks took a three-point lead, the Hawks responded with a quick bucket from Jalen Johnson. On the ensuing possession, Josh Hart missed a crucial three-pointer. While the Knicks grabbed the offensive rebound, the Hawks' defense tightened, forcing New York into a shot-clock violation.

This sequence set the stage for McCollum's jumper. Even after the Hawks took the lead, they still needed one more stop. As Jalen Brunson tried to drive the baseline for a game-winner, the Hawks' defense swarmed him, resulting in a turnover as the buzzer sounded. This defensive stand was a statement for a Hawks team that has often been criticized for its lack of defensive consistency during the regular season.

Impact of the State Farm Arena Crowd

Home-court advantage was undeniable in Game 3. The Atlanta faithful, fueled by the team’s Game 2 victory in New York, created a "hostile environment" that clearly affected the Knicks' rhythm early on. Celebrities like Tyler Perry and members of the Atlanta Falcons were in attendance, adding to the high-profile atmosphere of the night. The crowd erupted during the Hawks' 11-0 run in the first quarter, making it difficult for the Knicks to communicate on defense.

CJ McCollum noted that while he enjoyed being the villain at Madison Square Garden, the energy at State Farm Arena provides a different kind of motivation. For a young team like the Hawks, having the crowd behind them during New York’s fourth-quarter surge was vital. The "Sixth Man" impact will likely be just as important for Game 4 as Atlanta looks to take a commanding 3-1 lead.

Looking Ahead to Game 4: Can the Hawks Maintain Momentum?

With a 2-1 lead, the Hawks are in the driver's seat, but the series is far from over. The Knicks have proven they can win in Atlanta and have the veteran leadership to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss. The health of the rosters will be a key factor, as the physical nature of this series is starting to take its toll on both squads. Atlanta must find a way to maintain their offensive flow for all four quarters, avoiding the scoring droughts that allowed New York to climb back into Game 3.

For the Knicks, the focus will be on Jalen Brunson. While he has been productive, the Hawks' defense, particularly Dyson Daniels, has made every point difficult for him. If New York can get more consistent production from Karl-Anthony Towns and their bench, they could easily even the series. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, and it promises to be another classic encounter in this budding rivalry.

FAQ: CJ McCollum and the Hawks-Knicks Series

Q1: Who hit the game-winning shot in Game 3?
A1: CJ McCollum hit a 15-foot fadeaway jumper with 12.5 seconds remaining to give the Atlanta Hawks the lead and the win.

Q2: What is the current series score between the Hawks and Knicks?
A2: Following the Game 3 victory, the Atlanta Hawks lead the New York Knicks 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Q3: Who were the top performers for the Hawks in Game 3?
A3: Jalen Johnson led the team with 24 points, CJ McCollum scored 23 (including the game-winner), and Jonathan Kuminga added 21 points off the bench.

Q4: Where was Game 3 played?
A4: The game was played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Q5: When is Game 4 scheduled?
A5: Game 4 will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Atlanta.

Conclusion

The 2026 NBA Playoffs have already delivered several unforgettable moments, but CJ McCollum's game-winner against the Knicks stands at the top of the list for Atlanta fans. By securing a 2-1 series lead, the Hawks have proved that they are a legitimate threat to advance deep into the postseason. While the Knicks' resilience remains a concern for Atlanta, the combined scoring power of McCollum, Johnson, and Kuminga has proven to be a puzzle that New York hasn't yet solved. As the series continues, the pressure shifts back to the Knicks to find an answer before they find themselves on the brink of elimination.

CJ McCollum's jumper gives Hawks 2-1 series lead vs. Knicks

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