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Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum (3) reacts to the crowd during the first half in Game 3 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series against the New York Knicks, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Atlanta.<\/p>\n
Colin Hubbard\/AP<\/p>\n
Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) shoots against New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, left, during the first half in Game 3 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Atlanta.<\/p>\n
Colin Hubbard\/AP<\/p>\n
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket against Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (0) during the second half in Game 3 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Atlanta.<\/p>\n
Colin Hubbard\/AP<\/p>\n
The crowd reacts after a three-pointer from Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum (3) during the first half in Game 3 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series against the New York Knicks, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Atlanta.<\/p>\n
Colin Hubbard\/AP<\/p>\n
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) fights for a loose ball against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart, right, during the first half in Game 3 of a first-round NBA playoffs basketball series, Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Atlanta.<\/p>\n
Colin Hubbard\/AP<\/p>\n
ATLANTA (AP) \u2014 When the Atlanta Hawks need a clutch shot, they know where to turn.<\/p>\n
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It used to be Trae Young.<\/p>\n
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Now it’s CJ McCollum, who has led an Atlanta resurgence since arriving in a trade that sent the face of the franchise to the Washington Wizards.<\/p>\n
The 34-year-old McCollum came through for the second game in a row, running around a screen to take an inbounds pass, then knocking down a 15-foot jumper that gave the Hawks a 109-108 victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday night.<\/p>\n
Atlanta now holds a 2-1 edge in the series against the favored Knicks.<\/p>\n
McCollum is savoring every moment.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI’m comfortable with failure. I’m comfortable with success,” he said. \u201cI’ve played a long time. I really cherish the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hawks coach Quin Snyder wasn’t the least bit surprised that McCollum hit such a big shot after the Hawks nearly lost a game they led nearly the entire night.<\/p>\n
After a sluggish start to the season and a blockbuster trade that ended the Ice Trae era in Atlanta, McCollum sparked a late-season run that carried the Hawks to their first outright playoff berth since 2021.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n He’s carried that bravado right into the playoffs.<\/p>\n \u201cCJ hit a great shot,\u201d Snyder said. \u201cWe have a ton of confidence in him being able to make those plays.\u201d<\/p>\n McCollum had 32 points in Game 2, rallying the Hawks to a surprising victory at Madison Square Garden. When the series shifted to Atlanta, he got off to another strong start with 16 points by halftime.<\/p>\n The Knicks largely shut him down after the break \u2014 he finished with 23 points \u2014 but his teammates stepped up to carry the load.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 24 points, to go along with 10 rebounds and eight assists. Dyson Daniels grabbed 13 rebounds. And a big shoutout to Jonathan Kuminga, who came off the bench to score 21 points and made a steal that denied Jalen Brunson a potential game-winning shot on New York’s final possession.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all came together and knew we needed just one stop,” Kuminga said. \u201cYou’ve got to sacrifice out there and make a play.\u201d<\/p>\n Like McCollum, Kuminga joined the Hawks in a midseason trade as the team overhauled a big chunk of its roster. He battled injuries and didn’t make a major impact during the regular season, but he’s coming up huge in the playoffs.<\/p>\n \u201cIt takes time to create that bond with the guys,\u201d he said. \u201cI’m learning from the coach and some of those things carried up to this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Of course, when the Hawks had their chance to reclaim the lead with 12.5 seconds remaining, there was little doubt who would take the shot<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI think the team has a real faith in me and my talent,\u201d McCollum said.<\/p>\n That’s what they used to say around Atlanta about Young.<\/p>\n Now, it’s McCollum leading the way.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/a>
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