“It’s a long game. You’ve got to play to zero.” This statement from CJ McCollum encapsulates the essence of resilience displayed by the Atlanta Hawks in their recent playoff matchup against the New York Knicks.
On April 20, 2026, at Madison Square Garden, McCollum’s 32 points were instrumental in leading the Hawks to a thrilling 107-106 victory. The game was a rollercoaster, with the Hawks trailing by a daunting 12 points as they entered the fourth quarter.
That context matters because it highlights just how significant this win is for Atlanta. Historically, the Knicks had been nearly unbeatable when leading by such a margin in postseason play—boasting a remarkable 40-1 record since 1954-55 in similar situations.
The fourth quarter was a different story altogether. The Hawks outscored the Knicks 28-15, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Jonathan Kuminga contributed significantly off the bench with 19 points, while Jalen Johnson added another 17.
Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for McCollum. He missed two crucial free throws with just 5.6 seconds left on the clock. Such moments can haunt players, but McCollum remained focused. “I gotta make my free throws. I’ll get in the gym on Wednesday and make sure I tighten up,” he said after the game.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson led with 29 points but couldn’t secure a win despite their early lead. Mikal Bridges had a chance to clinch victory for New York but missed a potential game-winning shot as time expired.
This match tied the playoff series at one game apiece—an important shift for both teams as they head into Game 3 scheduled for Thursday night in Atlanta.
Josh Hart reflected on the loss: “This is a game we should have won.” His words underline the frustration felt by many within the Knicks organization as they strive to reach the second round for a fourth consecutive season—their longest stretch since the late ’90s.
CJ McCollum’s performance not only impacted this game but also set the tone for what lies ahead in this tightly contested series. The stakes are high and every point counts—just as McCollum reminded us, it’s never over until that final buzzer sounds.