McCollum’s Clutch Shot Gives Hawks 2-1 Lead Over Knicks: Playoffs Delivering Drama

The playoffs are already delivering, and this series is quickly becoming one to watch. CJ McCollum’s late-game heroics have flipped expectations and put the Hawks in control.

A Thriller in Atlanta

CJ McCollum stepped up when it mattered most.

With 12.5 seconds left in a one-point game, he rose for a tough fadeaway over Josh Hart—and buried it. That shot gave the Atlanta Hawks a 109-108 win over the New York Knicks in Game 3 on Thursday night.

The sixth-seeded Hawks now lead the series 2-1.

State Farm Arena erupted as McCollum’s shot dropped. The Knicks couldn’t respond on the final possession, and Atlanta walked away with a huge win that shifted momentum in this first-round matchup.

How the Game Unfolded

This one stayed close from start to finish.

Atlanta came out strong early, but New York answered with a solid third quarter. OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 29 points, shooting efficiently throughout the game. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns tried to carry the offense, but late turnovers and missed chances proved costly.

For the Hawks, it was a complete team effort.

Jalen Johnson nearly posted a triple-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. McCollum added 23 points, including the decisive bucket. Jonathan Kuminga chipped in 21 points off the bench, giving Atlanta a valuable boost.

Defensively, the Hawks locked in at the right time—forcing a turnover on New York’s final possession to seal the win.

McCollum has now delivered clutch shots in back-to-back games, showing exactly why his experience matters in moments like this.

What This Means for the Series

Coming into the series, the Knicks were clear favorites. They handled Game 1 comfortably, but things have changed quickly.

The Hawks have now taken two straight games at home and hold a 2-1 lead. That puts real pressure on New York heading into Game 4.

Atlanta is playing with confidence, feeding off its home crowd, and building chemistry between its key players. On the other side, the Knicks look unsettled. Their late-game execution is being questioned, and their half-court offense hasn’t been as sharp when it matters most.

What was expected to be a straightforward Knicks series is now one of the most competitive matchups in the first round.

Why This Moment Matters

McCollum’s shot is exactly what playoff basketball is about.

At 35, he continues to show composure in clutch situations. For a relatively young Hawks team, having that kind of leadership is huge.

This win also sends a message. Atlanta isn’t just competing—they believe they can win this series.

For the Knicks, the concern is different. They have the talent and depth, but letting a close game slip away raises questions. In the playoffs, those moments can define a series.

Looking Ahead

Game 4 stays in Atlanta, where the Hawks will aim to take a commanding 3-1 lead.

The Knicks need a response. That means tightening up defensively, reducing turnovers, and finding a way to slow down both McCollum and Johnson.

This series already has everything—tight finishes, standout performances, and real tension. McCollum’s game-winner will be replayed everywhere, but the bigger story is what comes next.

Because right now, this matchup is wide open—and far from over.