McCollum Stuns Knicks Late as Hawks Level Series

Summary:

• CJ McCollum deliverers clutch late buckets with 32-pointer performance
• Hawks rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat the Knicks 107-106.
• The series tied 1-1, heading to Atlanta for Game 3.

There is a long tradition of basketball players thriving under pressure at Madison Square Garden, often at the expense of the New York Knicks.

On Monday night, CJ McCollum added his name to that list.

The 34-year-old born in Ohio lifted the Atlanta Hawks to a 107-106 win in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, evening things at 1-1.

His fourth-quarter performance helped him end the night with 32 points and six assists. However, his late-game composure defined the night. With the Knicks holding a 14-point lead in the third quarter, Atlanta looked close to falling behind 0-2.

Instead, McCollum kept his team within reach before taking over down the stretch.

In the final minutes, he scored three key baskets, including a step-back jumper over OG Anunoby with 34 seconds remaining to give Atlanta the lead.

Spectators also witnessed a tense moment when McCollum exchanged words with Jose Alvarado in the third quarter, resulting in offsetting technical fouls. The moment sparked chants from the home crowd, echoing the treatment once reserved for former Hawks guard Trae Young.

McCollum said

I’m no villain, I’m a nice guy with two kids and a wife. I think it’s admiration. Great, passionate fans in a hostile environment. It’s fun, it’s basketball, it’s the playoffs. If anything, I think it’s a sign of respect.

The player who was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2022, the Washington Wizards in 2025, and eventually reached the Hawks this year also missed two free throws with 5.6 seconds in the game.

However, the Knicks couldn’t take advantage. Jalen Brunson was unable to get involved in the final play, leaving Mikal Bridges to attempt a fadeaway jumper that fell short at the buzzer.

New York had earlier controlled much of the game, with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson dominating inside. But the offense stalled late, allowing Atlanta to complete the comeback.

Knicks coach Mike Brown said

Down the stretch, we got some pretty good looks. We got the ball in the right players’ hands. We just didn’t convert.

With the series now tied, the focus shifts to Atlanta for Game 3, where the intensity is expected to carry over.

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