CJ McCollum’s late jumper pushes Hawks ahead of Knicks, 2–1
cj-mccollum-jumper-hawks-knicks-game-3
CJ McCollum buried a 15-foot jumper with 12.5 seconds remaining, giving the Atlanta Hawks a 109-108 win over the New York Knicks on Thursday night and a 2-1 advantage in their first-round series.
The Game 3 matchup was played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on April 23, 2026. McCollum, 34, took an inbounds pass after circling a screen and hit the decisive shot, his second straight game-winner of the series.
McCollum finished with 23 points after pouring in 16 before halftime. Jalen Johnson led Atlanta with 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while rookie guard Dyson Daniels pulled down 13 boards. Jonathan Kuminga added 21 points off the bench and stripped Jalen Brunson on New York’s final possession to seal the outcome.
“I’m comfortable with failure. I’m comfortable with success,” McCollum said. “I’ve played a long time. I really cherish the game.”
Head coach Quin Snyder backed his veteran guard. “We have a ton of confidence in him being able to make those plays,” Snyder said.
Kuminga, acquired midseason in the same roster overhaul that brought McCollum to Atlanta and sent longtime star Trae Young to Washington, has emerged as a key postseason contributor. “It takes time to create that bond with the guys,” the forward noted. “I’m learning from the coach, and some of those things carried up to this moment.”
Brunson’s potential game-winning attempt never reached the rim after Kuminga’s swipe, preserving a victory Atlanta had controlled for most of the night before New York’s late push.
Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Atlanta, where the Hawks will look to extend their series lead.
Source: ESPN.com
