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CJ McCollum takes down Knicks again in Game 3
Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

CJ McCollum takes down Knicks again in Game 3

By Sean Keane  |  Last updated Apr 24, 2026 12:39 AM ET
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Another Atlanta Hawks playoff game, another CJ McCollum game-winner.

The veteran guard hit the go-ahead basket for the second game in a row as the Atlanta Hawks won another nailbiter over the New York Knicks, 109-108. McCollum finished with 23 points as the Hawks grabbed a 2-1 series lead.

CJ McCollum outdueled Jalen Brunson late

The Knicks rallied back from an 11-point deficit with eight minutes to go, taking the lead on a three-point play by Jalen Brunson, who drew a foul on McCollum. Then, Karl-Anthony Towns blocked Jalen Johnson's dunk on the other end. But Johnson got the rebound and scored, the Hawks forced a miss and McCollum hit his big shot.

Late in close games, it's a given that the Knicks will go to Jalen Brunson when they need a basket. The Hawks seemed to know it, sending Jonathan Kuminga to double Brunson and forcing a game-clinching steal. The Knicks have had a chance at a game-winning shot at the ends of both Games 2 and 3, but they haven't been able to convert.

Brunson still had a solid game, scoring 26 points on 11-of-23 shooting. But the tall, rangy Hawks defenders were able to bother the 6-foot-2 Brunson late, something the Knicks weren't able to do with 6-foot-2 Miles McBride checking McCollum on their most crucial defensive possession.

Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart didn't help out their teammate

The Knicks wouldn't have needed Brunson to bail them out in the final seconds if two of their starters were able to contribute on offense. Josh Hart played 40 minutes and scored two points. Mikal Bridges, who missed a potential game-winner at the end of Game 2, didn't score a single point and had a miserable plus/minus of -26 in 21 minutes.

OG Anunoby had a big game with 29 points and McBride scored 15 off the bench, but it's hard to win a playoff game when two starters combined for only two points.

The Hawks simply got a little more from their supporting cast Thursday in Atlanta. They also got another big play from their shot-maker. Trading Trae Young for McCollum at midseason looks more brilliant with every playoff game.

Sean Keane
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Sean Keane is a sportswriter and a comedian based in Oakland, California, with experience covering the NBA, MLB, NFL and Ice Cube’s three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. He’s written for Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” ESPN the Magazine, and Audible. com

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