yahoo - 4/24/2026 4:19:25 AM - GMT (+2 )
As expected, the first-round series between the Knicks and Hawks has become must-see TV.
After initiating a 12-point lead after the first quarter of Game 3, Atlanta struggled to keep its distance. New York clawed its way back, leading to an enormously entertaining back-and-forth lead-taking late in the fourth quarter. It all went down to the final seconds, with the Hawks holding on and winning 109-108 to take a 2-1 series lead.
These two squads are going blow for blow, and no lead appear safe. Both teams have the capability of getting hot from 3, making it entirely feasible to get back into games, and the collective group of raw talent is severely underrated, making this series ridiculously fun to watch. Not a lot of teams can, in theory, run their offense through both a lead guard and a big man, but that's the case here, even if Karl-Anthony Towns has been struggling in that department (we'll get to it).
Without further ado, let’s get to some takeaways …
It's important to start games off with not only energy, but a diverse game plan that forces opponents to continuously adjust. As such, when Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby scored all 21 points for the Knicks in the first quarter, that wasn’t an optimal result.
Yes, some scoring help came after it. Brunson (26 points) and Anunoby (29) kept the fire burning, while Towns added 21 (the vast majority in the second half).
But Mikal Bridges played 21 minutes, turned the ball over four times and didn't score, further underlining the team's struggles in generating wide-spread offense.
Off the bench, Miles McBride gave the Knicks a wholly necessary 15 points, all of which came after the first frame.
CJ McGoodLordListen, I always liked McCollum’s fit next to Jalen Johnson better than Trae Young, but even I'm flabbergasted at how he's been thoroughly dominating this series so far.
The 6-foot-3 guard is playing lead guard, off-guard, acting as a creator, and as a release valve. It's frankly absurd how high his plug-and-playability has been, and it's making all the difference for Atlanta.
His 23 points in Game 3 — including the game-winning pull-up — constantly pressured the Knicks to key in on him, leading to periods of over-helping, thus opening up the court for everyone else.
McCollum's clutch bucket was taken calmly, under control, and with his body fully aligned to the basket, further demonstrating just how effective the veteran can be under pressure.
It's becoming a boring theme for the Knicks to see their primary big man, Towns, approach the beginning of every game with what seems like indifference.
Towns, who came into Game 3 averaging five points per first half, upped it only slightly, squeezing out eight points, yet zero in the opening frame.
That's just not going to get it done for a Knicks team that relies far too much on Brunson, can't count on consistent production from Bridges, and is in drastic need of interior scoring.
The passive nature of Towns is forcing his teammates to carry his burden, even if he does tend to respond in second halves. That creates a predictable pattern, one the Hawks are only far too happy to use to their advantage.
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