The Atlanta Hawks have claimed another New York Knicks playoff scalp, winning 109-108 in Game 3 on Friday AEST to take a 2-1 lead in a massive series swing.
Veteran guard CJ McCollum hit the go-ahead mid-range jumper with 12.5 seconds remaining, before the Hawks played suffocating defence on the game’s last possession, forcing a Jalen Brunson turnover as time expired.
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Bendigo’s Dyson Daniels was industrious in the momentous win, scoring eight points but grabbing 13 rebounds, dishing six assists and notching three steals in an all-around performance.
And coming off the bench, Jonathan Kuminga showed up for his new ball club, scoring 21 points on an uber-efficient 64 per cent field-goal shooting.
The former Warrior’s length and athleticism continue to make him a tough defensive proposition, while he was also ferocious on the glass.
Kuminga also produced the result-sealing steal on Josh Hart with a few seconds remaining.
Renowned NBA podcaster and writer Kevin O’Connor wrote on X in reaction: “I wonder what Steve Kerr is thinking watching Jonathan Kuminga go off for the Hawks in the playoffs.”
Atlanta traded with Golden State for Kuminga in February, affording the fledgling wing a fresh start after five years with the seven-time NBA champs.
The 23-year-old has a team option for US$24.3 million (AU$34 million) next season, and he’s putting his best foot forward right now to ensure the Hawks don’t have a choice but to pick it up.
Three days earlier, Kuminga dropped 19 points and four rebounds in New York as Atlanta claimed a Game 2 victory at Madison Square Garden.