CJ McCollum’s late-game heroics secured the Atlanta Hawks’ victory over the New York Knicks in a tightly contested Game 3.
As of late Tuesday, McCollum made the game-winning shot with just 12.3 seconds left on the clock. This victory gives the Hawks a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven first-round series.
Jonathan Kuminga was also pivotal, scoring 21 points during the match. His contributions helped keep the game close and set the stage for McCollum’s decisive moment.
The Knicks now find themselves trailing in the series after this loss. They have averaged 116.5 points per game but struggled defensively, allowing opponents to score an average of 110.1 points.
Meanwhile, the Hawks have shown offensive strength, averaging 118.5 points per game while surrendering only 116.0 points. Jock Landale remains out for Atlanta due to an ankle injury, which could impact future games.
Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena. Both teams will be looking to adjust their strategies as they head into this crucial matchup.
Mike Brown, head coach of the Knicks, emphasized that it’s a seven-game series for a reason. His team will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind.
Quin Snyder, coach of the Hawks, praised McCollum’s performance, stating he did things that really gave their team a lift—guarding him certainly demands that.
The stakes are high as both teams aim for advancement in the NBA playoffs. Fans are eagerly anticipating how each squad will respond in Game 4.
With this win, Atlanta has positioned itself favorably in the series. However, uncertainty lingers as both teams prepare for what could be a pivotal encounter.