Hawks’ Dramatic Fourth-Quarter Comeback Levels NBA Playoff Series Against Knicks
The Atlanta Hawks stunned the New York Knicks in Game 2, rallying late to grab a 104-101 win and tie the NBA playoff series at one game each. CJ McCollum led the charge, scoring big points and making key plays in the final minutes. The win flipped the mood inside Madison Square Garden, turning it from a party to shock in just a few moments. Now, with the series tied, both teams head to Atlanta knowing everything is up for grabs.
The Hawks’ comeback wasn’t just a lucky run. It felt like a message: this series isn’t just about the Knicks’ home advantage or their strong defense. Atlanta showed grit and poise under pressure, and McCollum proved he can be the difference-maker when the stakes are high. Fans saw wild swings, coaching drama, and a new villain in CJ McCollum for Knicks supporters. Let’s break down what happened, why it mattered, and what comes next [Source: Google News].
CJ McCollum’s Impact: Leading the Hawks’ Stunning Rally Against Knicks
CJ McCollum took over the game in the fourth quarter. He scored 15 of his 29 points in the final 12 minutes, almost single-handedly swinging the game for Atlanta. Whenever the Hawks needed a basket, McCollum delivered. He hit tough jumpers, drove into traffic, and sank free throws under pressure. The Knicks’ defense looked lost, unable to keep up with his quick moves and sharp shooting.
But McCollum wasn’t just scoring. He set up teammates, drew double teams, and forced New York to scramble. His energy rubbed off on the Hawks, lifting their confidence and helping them believe the comeback was possible. For Atlanta fans, he was the hero. For Knicks fans in Madison Square Garden, he became the villain, earning loud boos with every basket. The crowd’s anger only seemed to make him play better.
It’s not the first time a visiting player has stolen the show at MSG. Reggie Miller did it years ago, LeBron James has done it too. McCollum joined that group with his fearless play and clutch shots. He broke the Knicks’ rhythm and stole the spotlight. The Hawks’ locker room after the game was buzzing, players high-fiving and praising McCollum’s leadership. He showed he can carry a team when it matters most.
Key Moments and Turning Points in Game 2 That Shifted the Series
The fourth quarter was a roller coaster. The Knicks held a 10-point lead with six minutes left, looking ready to go up 2-0 in the series. But then the Hawks started chipping away. McCollum hit a three-pointer, then forced a turnover that led to another basket. Atlanta’s defense tightened, causing the Knicks to miss shots and rush their offense.
With just two minutes left, McCollum nailed a jumper to tie the game. The crowd went silent. On the next possession, the Hawks forced another Knicks mistake, and McCollum found De’Andre Hunter for a layup. Suddenly, Atlanta was ahead. The Knicks tried to answer, but missed two straight shots. McCollum grabbed the rebound and drew a foul, sinking both free throws.
There was drama, too. Knicks coach Mike Brown called a timeout, but confusion followed. The broadcast showed a “phantom” timeout that seemed to come from nowhere, sparking debate on social media and confusion on the court. Some fans thought it was a mistake by the refs, others blamed a broadcast error. The pause broke the Knicks’ rhythm even more, leaving players shaking their heads [Source: Google News].
New York had one last chance, with 10 seconds left. Jalen Brunson drove to the basket but was blocked by Clint Capela. The Hawks secured the rebound and ran out the clock. In those last few minutes, the Knicks went scoreless, missing four shots and turning the ball over twice. Atlanta’s defense locked in, and McCollum stayed calm.
The comeback was quick and brutal. The Knicks looked stunned, like they couldn’t believe what was happening. Fans who had been cheering all night suddenly fell quiet. It felt like the Hawks stole the game, but really, they earned it with tough defense and smart play.
Strategic Decisions and Coaching Moves That Influenced Game 2 Outcome
Coaching played a big role in the final minutes. Mike Brown, the Knicks coach, made some odd choices. He took out Mitchell Robinson, a big presence in the paint, just as the Hawks started attacking inside. Brown also called timeouts at strange moments, including the controversial “phantom” timeout that threw off his team’s rhythm. Some analysts say those decisions helped Atlanta build momentum.
On the Hawks’ side, coach Quin Snyder trusted McCollum and let him run the offense. Snyder kept the floor spaced, giving McCollum room to operate. He also put De’Andre Hunter on Jalen Brunson in the fourth quarter, slowing down the Knicks’ top scorer. Snyder didn’t panic when the Hawks were down. He kept his starters on the floor and told them to push the pace.
The Knicks made tactical errors, too. They stopped moving the ball and relied too much on isolation plays. Brunson tried to do everything himself, but Atlanta’s defense was ready. The Hawks doubled him and forced tough shots. New York also missed open looks from three, going 1-for-7 in the fourth quarter. The lack of adjustments hurt the Knicks.
Coaching isn’t just about drawing up plays. It’s about managing emotions and momentum. Snyder did that well, keeping his team steady. Brown struggled, and his mistakes stood out. In playoff basketball, those choices can swing a game—and this one did.
Implications of Game 2 Result for the NBA Playoff Series and Team Dynamics
With the series tied 1-1, everything changes. The Hawks now have home-court advantage, and the Knicks must regroup before Game 3 in Atlanta. The comeback gives Atlanta belief—they know they can beat the Knicks, even in New York, and even when trailing late. That confidence could carry them in the next games.
For the Knicks, the loss is tough. Their strong defense collapsed, and their offense failed under pressure. The team needs to find answers, especially for stopping McCollum. If they don’t, Atlanta could take control of the series. The mental blow is real: playoff basketball is about momentum, and the Hawks grabbed it.
Coaches will look for adjustments. The Knicks may try to double McCollum earlier or switch defenders more often. They might put Robinson back in the paint to protect against drives. The Hawks, meanwhile, will keep trusting McCollum but may also look for more scoring from their bench. Players like Saddiq Bey and Hunter become more important as the series goes on.
Fans should watch for how both teams respond. Will the Knicks come out angry and focused, or will the Hawks ride their new confidence? Game 3 will tell, but this series is now a toss-up. Every play, every timeout, and every coaching move matters.
What Fans and Analysts Should Expect Next in This Intensifying Playoff Battle
The Hawks’ comeback makes this series must-watch. Atlanta showed they can win under pressure and turn Madison Square Garden upside down. The Knicks, once favorites, now face a real test. Both teams have strong rosters, smart coaches, and passionate fans.
The drama isn’t over. Expect more tight games, wild swings, and maybe more surprises from McCollum and his teammates. The Knicks will fight to protect their reputation and get the series lead back. The Hawks want to prove their win wasn’t a fluke.
For fans, this is what playoff basketball is all about—big moments, tough losses, and heroes rising. The story is far from finished, and the next games could swing the series again. Keep an eye on coaching decisions, late-game execution, and the battle between McCollum and the Knicks’ defenders.
Whether you root for Atlanta or New York, buckle up. The NBA playoffs just got a lot more exciting, and both teams have everything to play for [Source: Google News].
Why It Matters
- The Hawks’ comeback win ties the playoff series, shifting momentum and raising the stakes for both teams.
- CJ McCollum’s late-game heroics highlight his ability to perform under pressure and change the series’ narrative.
- The Knicks lose their home-court advantage as the series moves to Atlanta, intensifying fan and team emotions.
