Mccollum's fadeaway seals hawks' playoff edge over knicks
Atlanta snatched a hard-fought 109-108 victory over the New York Knicks Thursday night, taking a commanding 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series, thanks to a clutch fadeaway jumper from CJ McCollum with just 12.5 seconds remaining.
A night of shifting momentum
The Hawks, fueled by a dominant first half – building an 18-point lead – appeared poised to cruise. But New York, led by OG Anunoby’s 29 points and Jalen Brunson’s 26, mounted a furious comeback, tying the game with under a minute left. The intensity escalated, culminating in a tense final possession that McCollum ultimately decided.
Quin Snyder, the Hawks’ coach, succinctly described the shot as “a great shot,” but emphasized the collective effort. “They work, they share,” he stated, highlighting the team’s dynamic. Jonathan Johnson’s 21 points off the bench provided crucial support, adding another layer to Atlanta’s offensive arsenal.
Knicks’ frustration mounts
Mike Brown, the Knicks’ coach, lamented the missed opportunities, expressing frustration with officiating calls that he believed were overlooked at the basket. However, he acknowledged the need for his team to execute better decisions. “You couldn’t ask for anything better than that,” Brown stated, referring to the final possession, “Less than a minute to go in the game and a chance to go up by three.”
Strategic plays & defensive prowess
Beyond McCollum’s heroics, Atlanta’s defense proved instrumental, exemplified by McCollum’s timely block of Hart, turning the ball over and setting up a fastbreak opportunity. That defensive tenacity – combined with a relentless offensive push – ultimately proved decisive. Mouhamed Gueye’s unexpected three-pointer early in the first quarter ignited the State Farm Arena crowd, signaling a shift in momentum.
Looking ahead
The Hawks now head to Atlanta for Game 4 on Saturday, seeking to solidify their playoff aspirations. Brown’s final comment – “They’re closing out hard” – suggests a fierce rivalry and a contest that promises to be anything but predictable. The Knicks, however, will need to regroup and find a way to contain McCollum and leverage their own scoring prowess if they hope to level the series.