CJ McCollum's clutch shot secures Atlanta's series lead as New York falters in final moments
Category: Sports
In a nail-biting finish on April 23, 2026, the Atlanta Hawks narrowly defeated the New York Knicks 109-108 in Game 3 of their playoff series, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven matchup. The game, held at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, showcased a dramatic final possession where the Knicks were unable to get a shot off, a moment captured in a trending highlight video on Streamable.
Trailing for much of the contest, the Knicks had a golden opportunity to clinch a victory with Jalen Brunson, their captain and last season's Clutch Player of the Year, holding the ball in the closing seconds. Following a clutch pull-up jumper by CJ McCollum that gave the Hawks a 109-108 lead with just 12.5 seconds remaining, the Knicks were set to inbound the ball. The moment was tense, underscored by the raucous support of the home crowd, which reached a fever pitch as the clock wound down.
With the Knicks needing a basket to win, they faced a staunch Hawks defense led by Dyson Daniels, who denied Brunson the ball on the inbound play. Josh Hart attempted to pass it to Karl-Anthony Towns, hoping to find Brunson in a more favorable position, but the Hawks had other plans. As Towns set a screen, Brunson drove hard to his right, only to be met by a double team from Jonathan Kuminga and Onyeka Okongwu. "We actually got a switch that we weren’t thinking we’d get, in terms of Okongwu on Jalen," Knicks head coach Mike Brown explained after the game.
Brunson found himself trapped near the baseline with no options. His pass intended for Hart bounced away and was recovered by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who dribbled out the clock, sealing the Hawks' victory. "I wish I had a different answer for you," Brunson said, shaking his head at the missed opportunity. "I got nothing right now." This loss placed the Knicks in a precarious position as they prepare for Game 4.
The game was marked by Atlanta's ability to withstand a late surge from New York, which had rallied from an 18-point deficit earlier in the match. After the Hawks took control with a 33-21 lead in the first quarter, the Knicks clawed back, driven by OG Anunoby's game-high 29 points and Brunson's 26. The Knicks managed to tie the game at 105 with a series of clutch three-pointers from Anunoby and Miles McBride, but the Hawks responded with tenacity.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, it was evident that both teams were vying for every inch. The Hawks' defense, especially in the final minutes, was highlighted by their ability to force a shot-clock violation against the Knicks. Coach Quin Snyder praised his team's effort, stating, "I think we guarded multiple actions and helped each other too, but didn’t foul. That was a huge part of that." The Hawks' defensive strategy proved decisive as they prevented the Knicks from executing their final plays effectively.
Jalen Johnson, who finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, emphasized the importance of the crowd's energy in pushing the team through tough moments. "It was amazing. You could feel the energy immediately and that energy is contagious," he remarked, highlighting the advantage of playing at home.
With the Hawks now leading the series 2-1, the Knicks face a must-win situation in Game 4, scheduled for April 25, 2026. The pressure is mounting as they seek to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole, a difficult position to recover from in the playoffs. "Right now, there's no room to feel sorry for ourselves," Hart said. "We’ve got to make sure we regroup and go out and focus for Game 4."
The Hawks, buoyed by their recent success, will aim to maintain their momentum. McCollum, who was instrumental in the victory with 23 points, expressed confidence in his team's ability to execute under pressure. He credited Snyder for the final play design that led to his game-winning shot. "Quin drew up a winner for us. Great all-around coach. Executed just how we drew it up," McCollum stated.
As both teams prepare for the next clash, the stakes could not be higher. The Knicks will need to devise a strategy to counter the Hawks' aggressive defense, particularly in the closing moments of the game, where they faltered in Game 3. Meanwhile, the Hawks will look to leverage their home-court advantage and continue their defensive intensity, hoping to push the series closer to a potential clincher.
This thrilling playoff series promises to deliver even more drama as it progresses, with both teams eager to assert their dominance in the Eastern Conference. The outcome of Game 4 will likely shape the narrative as the playoffs continue, making it a must-watch for fans and analysts alike.