Hawks rally past Knicks in Game 2 thriller behind CJ McCollum’s 32, even series 1-1

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Hawks rally past Knicks in Game 2 thriller behind CJ McCollum’s 32, even series 1-1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Hawks pulled off a stunning comeback Monday night, rallying past the New York Knicks 107-106 in Game 2 to even their first-round playoff series at 1-1.

CJ McCollum delivered a clutch performance, finishing with 32 points and leading a fourth-quarter surge that erased a double-digit deficit. Atlanta trailed the entire second half and entered the fourth quarter down 12 before mounting its comeback.

McCollum’s late heroics proved decisive, even after a brief scare. He missed two free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining, giving New York one final chance. Without a timeout, the Knicks pushed the ball upcourt, but Mikal Bridges missed a jumper at the buzzer, sealing the Hawks’ dramatic win.

Atlanta seized its first second-half lead of the series when McCollum converted a key basket to make it 101-100 with 2:09 left. After extending the lead to three, Jalen Brunson answered with a clutch 3-pointer to tie the game. McCollum responded again, knocking down a jumper with 33 seconds remaining to put Atlanta ahead for good.

Jonathan Kuminga provided a major lift off the bench with 19 points, while Jalen Johnson added 17 points, including a crucial basket with 10 seconds left that extended Atlanta’s lead to four.

Hawks stun Knicks with fourth-quarter surge, ride momentum into Game 3 after Game 2 upset​

As a team, the Hawks shot 47.8 percent from the field and 12-of-29 (41.4%) from 3-point range while committing just 11 turnovers. They also outscored the Knicks 34-22 in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback.

For New York, Brunson led the way with 29 points and 7 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points and 10 rebounds. The Knicks shot 45.2 percent from the field but struggled to close out the game after controlling much of the night.

The victory gives the No. 6-seeded Hawks momentum as the series shifts to Atlanta for Game 3 on Thursday. After stealing a road win in dramatic fashion, the Hawks have firmly put themselves back in the series.

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