SPORTS

McCollum's late jumper gives Hawks 2-1 series edge

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ATLANTA — C.J. McCollum hit a fadeaway jumper with 12.5 seconds left to lift the Atlanta Hawks to a 109-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3, giving Atlanta a 2-1 lead in the first-round series. McCollum finished with 23 points and Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 24; Jonathan Kuminga added 21 off the bench. New York had rallied to a 108-105 edge on Jalen Brunson's three-point play with 1:03 remaining, but after a late sequence that included a missed Josh Hart 3 and an offensive rebound the Knicks could not get a timely shot and Brunson turned the ball over as the horn sounded. ATLANTA — Hawks coach Quin Snyder called McCollum's shot "a great shot" and stressed the team effort, saying, "They work, they share." Atlanta led nearly the entire game, building an 18-point advantage in the first half after outscoring New York 27-12 in the final seven minutes of the opening quarter, an early surge that included an 11-0 run and three straight 3-pointers by Mouhamed Gueye and Jonathan Kuminga. Knicks coach Mike Brown lamented missed calls around the basket and said his team must make better decisions going forward. Game 4 is Saturday in Atlanta.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Regular season: Josh Hart recorded a career-best 41.3% 3-point rate (season stat referenced in coverage).
Earlier in series: C.J. McCollum starred for the Hawks in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Game 3 (Thursday): McCollum hit the decisive jumper with about 12.5 seconds remaining; Hawks won 109-108.
Postgame reactions: Coaches commented on team effort; Knicks acknowledged missed opportunities and late execution issues.
Next steps: Teams prepare for Game 4 with Atlanta leading the series 2-1 and New York seeking corrective measures.

Why This Matters to You

This game shows the Hawks' resilience and teamwork. If you're a Hawks fan, it's a thrilling victory. For Knicks fans, it's a reminder of the need for better decision-making on court. Either way, it's a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of the playoffs.

The Bottom Line

McCollum's clutch performance gave the Hawks a crucial edge in the series. The Knicks will need to regroup and strategize for Game 4. This series is far from over, and every game counts. Worth forwarding if you know someone who loves a good playoff showdown.