Hawks Tie Series with Late Comeback Against Knicks in Game 2 The Atlanta Hawks staged a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to overcome a 12-point deficit and defeat the New York Knicks, 107-106, in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series at Madison Square Garden. The result evened the series at 1-1, setting the stage for a pivotal Game 3. CJ McCollum led Atlanta with 32 points, including a crucial bucket with 34 seconds remaining, while Jonathan Kuminga and Nickeil Alexander-Walker provided key contributions. The Knicks, who had dominated the first game of the series, struggled to contain the Hawks’ late surge, which included several critical defensive plays and offensive adjustments. The Knicks entered the fourth quarter with a 12-point lead, having been the best fourth-quarter team in the league this season. They had also won Game 1 by a similar margin, extending their record to 39-0 when leading by at least 12 points in the final period. However, the Hawks’ resilience in Game 2 showcased their ability to adapt under pressure. After falling behind by six points with less than five minutes remaining, Atlanta’s offense and defense executed a series of plays that shifted momentum in their favor. Kuminga’s quickness against Jalen Brunson, McCollum’s ability to exploit mismatches, and Alexander-Walker’s clutch three-pointer helped the Hawks close the gap. Brunson, the Knicks’ primary defender on McCollum, faced challenges throughout the game. The Hawks targeted Brunson aggressively in the fourth quarter, using a combination of screens, switches, and quick drives to disrupt his coverage. Kuminga’s in-and-out dribble past Brunson for a layup and McCollum’s double-crossover move to beat Brunson were pivotal moments.#madison_square_garden #new_york_knicks #atlanta_hawks #jonathan_kuminga #cj_mccollum
CJ McCollum leads late rally as Hawks stun Knicks to tie series NEW YORK — The Madison Square Garden crowd, known for its intense energy and history of tormenting New York Knicks fans in high-stakes moments, found itself in a new chapter of rivalry on Monday night. Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum became the latest figure to etch his name into the Garden’s lore, delivering a game-winning performance that propelled his team to a 107-106 victory over the Knicks in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. The win leveled the series at one game apiece, setting the stage for an even more charged Game 3 in Atlanta. McCollum, who finished with 32 points and six assists, was the driving force behind the Hawks’ comeback. The Knicks had built a 14-point lead in the third quarter, but McCollum’s relentless fourth-quarter effort kept the Hawks competitive. His critical contributions came in the final 2 minutes and 8 seconds, including a step-back jumper over Knicks forward OG Anunoby with 34 seconds remaining. The shot gave Atlanta a 106-105 lead, sealing the victory. The game’s tension reached a peak when McCollum exchanged words with Knicks backup guard Jose Alvarado during a timeout, leading to offsetting technical fouls. The incident drew expletive-laced chants from the Garden crowd, a rare occurrence for a player other than former Hawks guard Trae Young. McCollum, however, downplayed the attention, calling it “admiration” from passionate fans in a hostile environment. “I’m no villain, I’m a nice guy with two kids and a wife,” he said. “If anything, I think it’s a sign of respect.” The Knicks’ dominance in the second half of Game 2 was a stark contrast to their struggles in the fourth quarter. In the third quarter, they overwhelmed Atlanta’s defense with the play of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson.#madison_square_garden #new_york_knicks #atlanta_hawks #cj_mccollum #og_anunoby
Stats Rundown: 3 Numbers from the Mavericks Loss to the Hawks The Dallas Mavericks suffered another heavy defeat, falling to the Atlanta Hawks 135-120 in a Wednesday night matchup in Dallas. The Hawks’ CJ McCollum dominated with 24 points, while Jalen Johnson nearly recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Dallas’ Daniel Gafford led the team in scoring with 23 points. The game lacked defensive intensity, continuing a troubling trend for the Mavericks as they approach another season of struggles. The Hawks’ ability to score in the paint was alarming, as they tallied 72 points inside the arc. This followed Dallas’ earlier giveaway of 68 paint points to the Pelicans on Monday, highlighting a recurring issue. The Mavericks’ small-ball lineup, which started again, proved ineffective from the outset. PJ Washington, a rim protector for a wing, struggled as the sole backline defender, and the presence of 5-foot-11 Ryan Nembhard further weakened the defensive effort. The team’s lack of reliable defenders compounded their challenges, with little hope of turning things around. Cooper Flagg contributed minimally offensively but made an impact defensively, recording two steals and two blocks. While the Mavericks’ defensive struggles were evident, Flagg’s efforts provided a few moments of disruption. However, the team’s overall lack of defensive presence overshadowed any positive contributions. The Mavericks’ offensive woes were also apparent, as Flagg, PJ Washington, and Naji Marshall combined for just 2-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc. Washington managed 2-of-6, but Flagg and Marshall were a combined 0-for-4. The team’s reliance on small-ball tactics to boost an anemic offense has not resolved their shooting issues.#dallas_mavericks #atlanta_hawks #jalen_johnson #cj_mccollum #daniel_gafford
Atlanta Hawks Extend Winning Streak to 11 Games with 135-120 Victory Over Mavericks The Atlanta Hawks secured their 11th consecutive win with a 135-120 triumph over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, marking their longest winning streak since the 2014-2015 season. CJ McCollum led the way for Atlanta with 24 points, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 22. Dyson Daniels contributed 19 points on 9-of-13 shooting, and Jalen Johnson scored 17 points alongside 11 rebounds. The Hawks, now at 38-31, remain in contention for a play-in playoff spot. The Mavericks, meanwhile, fell to 23-47 and are projected to secure a top-four draft lottery position. Daniel Gafford led Dallas with 24 points, P.J. Washington added 23, and Cooper Flagg chipped in 17. The Mavericks’ struggles continued as they committed 18 turnovers, seven more than the Hawks. Atlanta’s dominance was evident from the start, as Onyeka Okongwo scored the first 10 points of the game and the Hawks never trailed. By halftime, the score was 67-56 in Atlanta’s favor. The victory extended the Hawks’ winning streak, which is tied for the fourth-longest in franchise history. One of the night’s standout moments came when Jonathan Kuminga launched a 75-foot three-pointer, the longest basket in the Hawks’ play-by-play era and the sixth-longest in NBA history since 1997-98. The shot surpassed the previous Hawks record of a 63-foot make by Jason Terry in 2000. The Hawks will next face the Houston Rockets on Friday night, while the Mavericks will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. 6:00 AM, 19 March 2026 American Airlines Center Referee: James Williams Los Angeles Lakers vs.#dallas_mavericks #atlanta_hawks #cj_mccollum #nickeil_alexanderwalker #onyeka_okongwo
CJ McCollum has been a key factor in the Atlanta Hawks' resurgence following the All-Star break, with his performance helping fuel a nine-game winning streak. The team is currently focused on maintaining this momentum and improving their position in the Eastern Conference standings. As the season progresses, several questions remain about McCollum's future with the Hawks. The veteran guard is set to become a free agent after his contract expires, and multiple teams are expected to show interest in his services. When asked by NBA insider Jake Fischer about the possibility of returning to the Hawks, McCollum responded with a lighthearted yet clear stance. “That’s not up to me, my friend,” McCollum said. Fischer then discussed the potential scenarios for McCollum, assuming a team offering similar terms to the Hawks. McCollum emphasized his commitment to the current team. “I like it here, man,” he said. “I'm here for a reason. We'll see. But right now, it’s about playing winning basketball and building on what we've done and stack wins and stack winning habits.” McCollum’s focus remains on the present, with the team’s playoff aspirations taking priority. After scoring 30 points in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, he reiterated his dedication to the team’s success. “I’m just doing my job,” he said. “I told them when I got here, I’ll do whatever you guys need me to do. Come off the bench, start. Whatever it takes to be successful. I think for us it’s about gelling at the right time, doing things the right way at the right time. And we’ve had a good homestand.” The Hawks’ recent success has been built on McCollum’s contributions, but the team’s long-term plans will depend on how his performance and role evolve.#milwaukee_bucks #eastern_conference #atlanta_hawks #cj_mccollum #jake_fischer
Hawks’ CJ McCollum Addresses Being a Starter with Confident Response The Atlanta Hawks have been on a nine-game winning streak, and their recent success has been closely tied to CJ McCollum’s transition to the starting lineup. The team’s surge began when McCollum replaced Zaccharie Risacher in the starting five, and the results have been consistent. Stats show the Hawks perform better with McCollum in the lineup alongside Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu. This dynamic has continued to deliver strong results, and McCollum has not indicated any plans to return to the bench. After a win against the Milwaukee Bucks, McCollum was asked about his preference for starting over coming off the bench. He responded by emphasizing the team’s needs over personal role preferences. “For me, it’s whatever the team needs,” McCollum said. “I think the money is on time every two weeks, regardless. That’s always helpful, but historically, I’ve been a starter. However, I’m comfortable playing whatever role is necessary for us, as long as we’re competing for something. That’s what’s really important for me: playing winning basketball and competing for something right now. That’s what they want me to do, and when your boss tells you something, you’ve got to do it.” McCollum’s inclusion in the starting lineup hasn’t disrupted the team’s rhythm; instead, it has enhanced their performance. Jalen Johnson, who has thrived in the lineup, highlighted McCollum’s value as a veteran presence. “Some lineups may look different, but CJ’s been a great vet to come in, and he understands the game at an elite level,” Johnson said. “So having him on the court with us, he just shows us little pointers and stuff where we can be effective at, and I feel like he’s done a great job leading our group.#atlanta_hawks #jalen_johnson #cj_mccollum #zaccharie_risacher #dyson_daniels
CJ McCollum gave the Hawks a problem nobody is talking about When the Atlanta Hawks acquired CJ McCollum in the Trae Young trade, there was an assumption he wouldn’t stay long. His $30 million expiring contract meant the Hawks could have traded him before the deadline or let him leave in free agency, freeing up to $32.9 million in cap space. But McCollum’s performance in a Hawks jersey has made that scenario unlikely, unless they find a perfect replacement. The Hawks must either extend McCollum or find a replacement for him. While his efficiency has dipped since the trade, his defensive and passing contributions were never stellar. Statistically, he might seem like a liability, yet he’s been central to Atlanta’s 10-0 streak over the past four weeks. The question remains: how is a player with declining scoring and passing ability still a positive for the team? McCollum’s value lies in his ability to create space off the dribble. Despite his age and 12-year NBA experience, his handle, agility, and explosiveness make him a unique threat. Even if he’s not hitting shots consistently, his presence opens up opportunities for teammates. The Hawks’ supporting cast—Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Zaccharie Risacher—thrives when playing off a secondary scorer like McCollum or Jalen Johnson. While Johnson is having a stellar season, a single primary scorer isn’t enough in today’s NBA. Atlanta has recognized McCollum’s impact on their recent success and is now weighing options. Extending him is the straightforward path, but the team might prefer a riskier approach: drafting an elite offensive guard like Darryn Peterson or Kingston Flemings. However, relying on draft picks is less certain than keeping a proven veteran with McCollum’s leadership.#atlanta_hawks #cj_mccollum #onsi_saleh #nickeil_alexander_walker #dyson_daniels
Atlanta Hawks Rumors Highlight Jalen Johnson's MVP Potential The Atlanta Hawks have entered a new phase of their season, riding a nine-game winning streak and showing signs of becoming a competitive force in the Eastern Conference. Despite losing their star player, Trae Young, in a blockbuster trade earlier in the year, the team has adapted with a rebuilt roster centered around Jalen Johnson. Since the trade deadline on February 5, the Hawks have posted a net rating of +7.4, ranking sixth in the league, with a strong defensive rating of 109.2. Their improved performance has been fueled by better team cohesion, strategic adjustments, and a renewed sense of unity among players. Jake L. Fischer of the Stein Line substack provided insight into the team’s transformation, highlighting how the locker room atmosphere has shifted. New starting point guard Dyson Daniel noted that players are now more vocal and collaborative, with communication improving significantly. “Everyone’s speaking up, and the locker room’s gelling,” Daniel said. Jalen Johnson echoed this sentiment, recalling how the team struggled with communication earlier in the season, particularly during a 23-point collapse against the Denver Nuggets in December. “Our communication allows us to stay together in those moments,” Johnson explained. He also emphasized that the current team feels like the closest-knit group he’s been part of in Atlanta. The Hawks’ confidence in Johnson has also been a focal point of recent rumors. While there were whispers about a potential trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, league sources confirm that Atlanta has ruled out such a deal.#atlanta_hawks #jalen_johnson #dyson_daniel #onyeka_okongwu #cj_mccollum
