CJ McCollum’s performance helped the Atlanta Hawks defeat the New York Knicks 107-106 in Game 2, tying their first-round series.
McCollum led the Hawks with 32 points and six assists.
McCollum’s Fourth-Quarter Heroics
CJ McCollum became a villain for New York Knicks fans on Monday night. His fourth-quarter performance helped the Atlanta Hawks beat the Knicks 107-106 in Game 2.
McCollum scored three critical baskets in the final 2:08, including a go-ahead step-back jumper over OG Anunoby with 34 seconds left.
McCollum even elicited expletive-laced chants from the MSG crowd after getting into a verbal back-and-forth with Knicks backup guard Jose Alvarado, leading to both receiving offsetting technical fouls.
“I’m no villain, I’m a nice guy with two kids and a wife,” McCollum said. “I think it’s admiration. Great, passionate fans in a hostile environment. It’s fun, it’s basketball, it’s the playoffs. If anything, I think it’s a sign of respect.”
Hawks Rally from Behind
For a second straight game, the Knicks asserted dominance in the second half before the Hawks responded. The Hawks bounced back from an 80-66 deficit in the third quarter.
All-NBA candidate Jalen Johnson woke up late, with six of his 17 points coming in the fourth.
Despite his clutch buckets, McCollum missed two free throw attempts with 5.6 seconds left with the Hawks up one, leaving the door open for the Knicks. But Jalen Brunson was unable to get involved in the play, leaving Mikal Bridges to miss a fadeaway jumper before the buzzer.
Knicks’ Missed Opportunities
It was about the only moment McCollum didn’t do well in the final period.
In Game 1, the Hawks didn’t recover in enough time.
At that point, the Knicks were rolling in their deployment of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, who dominated due to the Hawks’ lack of quality size. Towns scored 14 of his 18 points in the third, and Robinson was perfect from the field.
Looking Ahead to Game 3
The two games have gotten chippier, and it promises to be an intense environment for Game 3 on Thursday in Atlanta.
“When the buzzer sounds and it’s quiet and you walk off the court, there’s a level of mutual respect,” McCollum said. “I’ve been to games in the Garden as a fan … I’ve seen playoff games here. It’s a pleasure to be able to play here. A pleasure to walk off the court with a win.”