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Knicks hold CJ McCollum in check in series-tying win
Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum (3) and New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) fight for control of the ball during the second half of Game 4 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Knicks hold CJ McCollum in check in series-tying win

Two days after suffering a devastating loss, the New York Knicks avoided near disaster and evened their first-round series. 

The Knicks dominated the Atlanta Hawks 114-98 in Game 4 on Saturday night, even holding newly crowned Knicks killer CJ McCollum in check most of the night. 

In their best overall team performance of the series, New York won three of the four quarters and produced four double-digit scorers to secure a complete team win. 

Holding CJ McCollum in check was key for the Knicks

In addition to enjoying their best offensive game of the series, the Knicks turned the corner thanks to their best defensive effort of the series. Beyond holding the Hawks to a sub-100 total for the first time in any of the four games, Mike Brown's team held McCollum in check as he finished with just 17 points, his lowest scoring output of the series. 

And for the most glaring statistic of all, McCollum failed to sink a single three-pointer, going 0-for-4 in the game.  

New York's strong defense helped propel the offense, too. 

Everyone got involved for Knicks in series-tying win

Leading the way, Karl-Anthony Towns was able to silence his critics, at least for a day, by recording a triple-double. Towns led the Knicks in scoring with 20 points in 29 minutes, connecting on 6-of-10 from the field. He also brought down 10 rebounds and dished out 10 assists. 

Jalen Brunson scored 19 points of his own in 34 minutes with three from long range. Brunson even added three helpers as well. 

Joining the Knicks' stars, Miles McBride sparked the bench with 11 points in 23 minutes of action. And Josh Hart had 10 points with nine rebounds and a trio of assists in 31 minutes.

So after trailing the series 2-1, the heavily favored Knicks now have momentum with game five back in New York at Madison Square Garden. But the Hawks have proved to be a formidable foe and already have a road win in the series. 

Tip-off on Tuesday for Game 4, the most important game of the series so far, is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.  

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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