Hawks Escape Again, Take 2-1 Series Lead Over Knicks

For the second time in this series, the Atlanta Hawks needed just one point to survive — and once again, they delivered.

In front of a sold-out crowd of 18,452 at State Farm Arena, Atlanta edged the New York Knicks 109-108 in Game 3, taking a 2-1 series lead in dramatic fashion Thursday night.

This one had everything — momentum swings, late-game chaos, and a clutch bucket when it mattered most.

Atlanta set the tone early, jumping out to a 33-21 lead after the first quarter behind efficient shooting and defensive pressure. The Hawks built their largest lead of the night at 18 points in the first half and carried a 58-50 advantage into the break.

Jalen Johnson led the charge with a near triple-double performance, finishing with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists while controlling the pace for much of the game.

New York refused to fold. OG Anunoby poured in 29 points, while Jalen Brunson added 26, helping the Knicks chip away at the deficit. A 30-point third quarter kept them within striking distance, setting up a tense fourth period.

The final minutes turned into a back-and-forth battle. The Knicks grabbed a late 108-105 lead with just over a minute remaining, putting Atlanta on the brink.

That’s when the Hawks responded.

After a key putback by Johnson cut the deficit to one, Atlanta came up with a crucial defensive stop. With the clock winding down, CJ McCollum delivered the biggest shot of the night — a smooth mid-range fadeaway with 12.7 seconds remaining — giving Atlanta a 109-108 lead.

On the final possession, the Hawks sealed it on defense. A turnover forced by Jonathan Kuminga ended any hope of a Knicks comeback and sent the arena into a frenzy.

Atlanta’s balanced attack proved to be the difference. McCollum finished with 23 points, Johnson added 24, and Kuminga provided a major lift off the bench with 21. Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 14 points, including key shots in the third quarter.

Despite being outscored in the paint 56-40, Atlanta made the difference from beyond the arc, knocking down 13 three-pointers at a 39.4 percent clip.

With the win, the Hawks take a 2-1 lead in the series and regain control heading into a pivotal stretch.

Next up, both teams face off in Game 4 as the Hawks look to continue their home-court momentum on Saturday, April 25 in Atlanta. The series will then shift back to New York for Game 5 on Tuesday, April 28.

One point. Again. And for Atlanta, that’s all that matters.