CJ McCollum leads Hawks’ stunning comeback victory over Knicks to even playoff series
Apr 20, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum (3) drives to the basket against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in recent playoff history, rallying from a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the New York Knicks 107-106 on Monday night. CJ McCollum led the charge with 32 points, delivering clutch shots down the stretch to help the sixth-seeded Hawks even their first-round series at 1-1.
The Hawks had trailed throughout the entire second half and appeared destined for an 0-2 series deficit when they entered the final quarter down 78-66. However, Atlanta chipped away methodically, with McCollum providing the finishing touches in a dramatic conclusion.
McCollum takes over in clutch moments
McCollum gave the Hawks their first second-half lead of the series with a basket that made it 101-100 with 2:09 remaining. He followed with another jumper for a three-point advantage, and after Jalen Brunson answered with a 3-pointer to tie the game, McCollum struck again with 33 seconds left to put Atlanta ahead 105-103.
The drama wasn’t over, as McCollum missed two crucial free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining, giving New York one final chance. Without any timeouts remaining, the Knicks rushed the ball up court, but Mikal Bridges‘ potential game-winner missed as time expired.
« It’s a long game, » McCollum said. « You’ve got to play to zero. »
Jonathan Kuminga provided valuable support off the bench with 19 points, while Jalen Johnson contributed 17 points, including a crucial basket with 10 seconds left that extended the Hawks’ lead to four points.
Historic collapse for the Knicks
The defeat marked a historic collapse for the Knicks, who had been 40-1 in postseason games since 1954-55 when leading by 12 or more points after three quarters. Their only previous loss in such situations came during Reggie Miller’s legendary 25-point fourth quarter for Indiana in Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference finals.
Brunson led New York with 29 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points after a slow start. Towns, who managed just four points in the first half, scored 14 in the third quarter to help extend the Knicks’ lead.
« This is a game we should have won, » said Josh Hart, who finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. « In the playoffs you can’t give away games. »
The series now shifts to Atlanta for Game 3 on Thursday, with the Hawks having stolen home-court advantage and gained crucial momentum in their quest to advance to the second round.
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