Mccollum's buzzer-beater denied: knicks edge hawks in tense finish
A potential game-winning shot by Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum was agonizingly ruled no good as time expired Monday night, sealing a 108-105 victory for the New York Knicks. The play, a contested bank shot after an inbounds pass, sparked a brief moment of elation for the Hawks faithful before replay review revealed McCollum's hand still on the ball as the buzzer sounded, a heartbreak capping a 13-game home win streak.
Brunson's dominance carries knicks to victory
The Knicks, now boasting a 51-20 record, were propelled by a masterful performance from guard Jalen Brunson, who tallied 30 points and a remarkable 13 assists. His scoring burst in the fourth quarter, a relentless 17-point surge, proved decisive as the Knicks navigated a fiercely contested battle against a determined Hawks squad. Karl-Anthony Towns further bolstered New York’s attack with 21 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, showing a versatility seldom seen from the big man.
But the narrative wasn't solely about the Knicks' offensive prowess. The Hawks, led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker's explosive 36-point performance—20 of which came in a strong first half—displayed resilience throughout, refusing to yield easily. Alexander-Walker's early aggression set the tone, establishing a 57-53 halftime advantage for Atlanta. Jalen Johnson’s continued consistency was also evident, securing his 48th double-double of the season with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
The pivotal moment arrived in the third quarter, as the Knicks orchestrated a decisive 17-6 run over the final six minutes, wresting control of the game and taking an 81-79 lead into the fourth. Towns was instrumental in this shift, accounting for 14 of New York's 28 third-quarter points. However, the Hawks’ late rally, fueled by McCollum’s near-miracle shot, provided a dramatic, yet ultimately futile, challenge.
The absence of Hawks center Jock Landale, sidelined with a right high ankle sprain sustained Wednesday against Orlando, undoubtedly impacted Atlanta's interior presence. Veteran Tony Bradley saw his first minutes of the season after being signed earlier Monday, but his impact was limited. Dyson Daniels' 11 points and 12 rebounds provided some support, but the Hawks ultimately fell short against a Knicks team firing on all cylinders.
The Knicks' victory underscores their position as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference, while the Hawks face a challenge in maintaining their composure after this bitter defeat. The statistic speaks volumes: the Knicks have now won 51 games, a testament to their balanced attack and defensive tenacity.