Knicks-Hawks Game 3: Three Key Factors to Watch The Atlanta Hawks, riding a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback in Game 2, aim to extend their first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks by maintaining home-court advantage. The series, which shifted to Atlanta after the Hawks’ Game 2 victory, hinges on three critical factors that could determine the outcome of Game 3. The first key element is the performance of each team’s reserves. In Game 1, the Knicks outscored the Hawks by six points during Jalen Brunson’s 11:36 on the bench, while the Hawks were outscored by four points in Brunson’s 11:53 on the bench in Game 2. Karl-Anthony Towns, who was largely inactive during Brunson’s rest in Game 2, saw the Knicks score just 16 points on 23 possessions during his 11:22 on the bench. Coach Mike Brown may adjust his approach to manage his All-Star players’ minutes, as small-sample-size performances could sway the series. For the Hawks, Jonathan Kuminga’s role as an X-factor is pivotal. After a quiet Game 1, Kuminga played 35 minutes in Game 2, scoring 19 points and contributing two steals and a block. His presence on the floor, instead of All-Defense candidate Dyson Daniels, helped the Hawks limit the Knicks to six points on nine clutch possessions. With backup center Jock Landale out, the Hawks may face size challenges at the five, but they can adapt by playing bigger at other positions, especially against the Knicks’ trio of small guards—Jordan Clarkson, Miles McBride, and Jose Alvarado. The second factor centers on late-clock execution. The Knicks, known for their late-game offense, ranked second in effective field goal percentage (51.2%) in the final seven seconds of the shot clock and fourth in the percentage of their shots (22%) taken in that window. However, their struggles in this area have been glaring.#knicks #jalen_brunson #jonathan_kuminga #hawks #karl_anthony_towns
Pistons' Tobias Harris: Good to go Wednesday Tobias Harris of the Pistons is listed as available for Wednesday's game against the Hawks. The veteran forward had been tending to soreness in his left hip. His availability was not unexpected, as he had been labeled probable earlier in the week. The team's medical staff has been monitoring his condition, and he is now cleared to participate in the matchup. Harris' return adds depth to the Pistons' roster, particularly with the team looking to secure a key victory in the upcoming schedule. His absence had been a concern for fantasy managers, but his status as a probable player provides optimism for the team's offensive output. The Hawks will be a tough opponent, but Harris' presence could provide a significant boost to the Pistons' chances of success.#hawks #pistons #tobias_harris #left_hip #fantasy_managers
Hawks' Dyson Daniels: Double-doubles in win Dyson Daniels contributed a double-double performance during the Hawks' 124-112 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday. The forward finished the game with 15 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal while playing 36 minutes. His scoring came on 6-of-9 field goals, 0-of-1 three-point attempts, and 3-of-5 free throws. Daniels' efforts helped secure the win for Atlanta, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the court. The game saw the Hawks dominate in the second half, extending their lead with key contributions from their roster. Daniels' ability to impact the game offensively and defensively highlighted his growing role as a key player for the team. His rebounding and assist numbers further emphasized his value in facilitating the offense while maintaining a strong presence in the paint. The win improved the Hawks' record, reinforcing their position as a competitive force in the league.#atlanta #nba #orlando_magic #hawks #dyson_daniels
DoH senior officials arrested for fraud, theft Three senior officials from the Department of Health were arrested on Monday as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of theft and fraud involving over R1-million in public funds. The government stated that the matter is currently under active examination by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, and confirmed that no additional details will be released at this time. Authorities emphasized that all individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court and urged the public to refrain from interfering with the investigative and judicial processes. The government reiterated that combating corruption remains a top priority, aligning with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address. In that speech, Ramaphosa highlighted the urgent need to strengthen efforts against organized crime and systemic corruption, framing these issues as critical threats to both democracy and economic stability. The arrests underscore the administration’s commitment to addressing graft within state institutions, though the full scope of the investigation and its implications for the health sector remain unclear at this stage.#department_of_health #hawks #directorates_priority_crime_investigation #cyril_ramaphosa #state_of_nation_address
Hawks arrest DG, senior national health department officials Three senior officials from the national Department of Health were arrested on Monday morning, News24 has confirmed. The arrests, part of a corruption investigation linked to fraud and theft, were announced by Colonel Katlego Mogale, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations, also known as the Hawks. The investigation, which began in April 2024, alleges that in 2023, over R1 million was improperly awarded to a service provider in violation of the Public Finance Management Act. Among those arrested was Sandile Buthelezi, the department’s director-general. Mogale did not disclose specific details about the charges or the identities of the other suspects. The third suspect, however, is described as the director of the company implicated in the case, which is also charged as a fifth juristic person due to the payments made to the firm. The fourth suspect, the company’s director, has not yet been taken into custody. The arrested officials are scheduled to appear in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Mogale emphasized that the investigation involved an in-depth review of financial transactions, with the focus on the misuse of public funds. The case highlights ongoing concerns about financial misconduct within government departments, particularly in sectors responsible for public health services. The arrests have sparked discussions about accountability in public institutions, with critics calling for transparency in how such cases are handled. While the details of the alleged misconduct remain under investigation, the incident underscores the challenges of combating corruption in high-level administrative roles.#national_department_of_health #director_general #col_katlego_mogale #hawks #pretoria_specialised_commercial_crimes_court
