Hawks Hold Off Knicks 99-94 in Game 3, Take 2-1 Edge in First-Round Series
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CONTENT:
ATLANTA, Apr. 23, 2026 — The Atlanta Hawks protected home court on Thursday night, outlasting the New York Knicks 99-94 at State Farm Arena to move in front 2-1 in their Eastern Conference first-round matchup.
Forward Jalen Johnson scored a team-high 23 points on 6-of-15 shooting and went 6-for-8 at the free-throw line. Guard CJ McCollum added 19 points and 12 assists, helping Atlanta overcome a late push from New York. The Hawks entered the fourth quarter up 88-80 and held on despite being outscored 14-11 in the final period.
Knicks’ late surge falls short
OG Anunoby matched Johnson with 23 points and was perfect on seven trips to the line. Center Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds, but New York struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 7 of 30 attempts (23 %).
Key numbers
- Field goals: Knicks 35-81 (43 %); Hawks 34-77 (44 %).
- Three-pointers: Knicks 7-30 (23 %); Hawks 13-32 (41 %).
- Free throws: Knicks 17-19 (89 %); Hawks 18-24 (75 %).
- Rebounds: Hawks 41, Knicks 40.
- Turnovers: Both teams committed 15.
The Hawks built their largest lead of 18 points in the first half behind a 33-21 opening quarter. New York answered with a 29-25 second period and pulled within five on several occasions down the stretch, but Atlanta’s perimeter shooting—highlighted by 13 made threes—proved decisive.
The game was officiated by Marc Davis, Nick Buchert and Natalie Sago and aired nationally on Prime Video.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Atlanta.
Source: ESPN
