CJ McCollum’s jumper gives Hawks 2-1 series lead vs. Knicks
ATLANTA — When the Atlanta Hawks want a clutch shot, they know the place to show.
It was once Trae Young.
Now it is CJ McCollumwho has led an Atlanta resurgence since arriving in a commerce that despatched the face of the franchise to the Washington Wizards.
The 34-year-old McCollum got here by means of for the second recreation in a row, working round a display screen to take an inbounds go, then flattening a 15-foot jumper that gave the Hawks a 109-108 victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday night time.
Atlanta now holds a 2-1 edge within the series towards the favored Knicks.
McCollum is savoring each second.
“I’m comfortable with failure. I’m comfortable with success,” he stated. “I’ve played a long time. I really cherish the game.”
Hawks coach Quin Snyder wasn’t in the least shocked that McCollum hit such an enormous shot after the Hawks practically misplaced a recreation they led practically your entire night time.
After a sluggish begin to the season and a blockbuster commerce that ended the Ice Trae period in Atlanta, McCollum sparked a late-season run that carried the Hawks to their first outright playoff berth since 2021.
He has carried that bravado proper into the playoffs.
“CJ hit a great shot,” Snyder stated. “We have a tone of confidence in him being able to make those plays.”
McCollum had 32 factors in Game 2, rallying the Hawks to a shocking victory at Madison Square Garden. When the series shifted to Atlanta, he bought off to a different robust begin with 16 factors by halftime.
The Knicks largely shut him down after the break — he completed with 23 factors — however his teammates stepped as much as carry the load.
Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 24 factors, to go together with 10 rebounds and eight assists. Dyson Daniels grabbed 13 rebounds. And an enormous shoutout to Jonathan Kumingawho got here off the bench to attain 21 factors and made a steal that denied Jalen Brunson a possible game-winning shot on New York’s last possession.
“We all came together and knew we needed just one stop,” Kuminga stated. “You’ve got to sacrifice out there and make a play.”
Like McCollum, Kuminga joined the Hawks in a midseason commerce because the workforce overhauled an enormous chunk of its roster. He battled accidents and did not make a significant influence through the common season, however he is arising big within the playoffs.
“It takes time to create that bond with the guys,” he stated. “I’m learning from the coach and some of those things carried up to this moment.”
Of course, when the Hawks had their likelihood to reclaim the lead with 12.5 seconds remaining, there was little doubt who would take the shot.
“I think the team has a real faith in me and my talent,” McCollum stated.
That’s what they used to say round Atlanta about Young.
Now, it is McCollum main the way in which.
