CJ McCollum delivered another clutch moment Thursday night, knocking down a fadeaway jumper with 12.5 seconds remaining to lift the Atlanta Hawks to a 109-108 win over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series at State Farm Arena, according to The Associated Press via Fox 5 Atlanta.
The late basket capped a strong night for McCollum, who finished with 23 points and continued his momentum after a standout Game 2. Atlanta controlled much of the game, building an 18-point lead in the first half and heading into halftime ahead 58-50. But New York rallied late, taking a 108-105 lead after Jalen Brunson converted a three-point play with just over a minute to go.
The Hawks responded quickly. Jalen Johnson, who led the team with 24 points, scored to cut the deficit. After a missed three-point attempt by Josh Hart, the Knicks failed to capitalize on a second chance, running out the shot clock without attempting a shot. That opened the door for McCollum, who calmly knocked down the decisive jumper to give Atlanta the lead for good. New York had one final opportunity, but a turnover by Brunson in the closing seconds ended the threat.
Jonathan Kuminga provided a 21-point boost off the bench for Atlanta. OG Anunoby led the Knicks with 29 points, Brunson added 26, and Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 21 in the loss.
After the game, Hawks coach Quin Snyder praised his team's collective effort. "They work, they share," Snyder said. "That's the thing about this group that I've enjoyed coaching."
The Hawks now lead the series 2-1. Game 4 tips off Saturday night back at State Farm Arena.
