Full Breakdown
Knicks Lose Game 3 to Hawks 109-108, Series Shifts to 2-1
4/24/2026, 1:14:55 PM
Game 3 Collapse: Hawks Edge Knicks 109-108
On April 23, 2026, the Atlanta Hawks beat the New York Knicks 109-108 at State Farm Arena, taking a 2-1 series lead. With 12.5 seconds left, CJ McCollum hit a go-ahead jumper; Jalen Brunson’s ensuing turnover ended the game.
Series Background & Recent Turnaround
The Knicks entered as the third seed after a 50-win season, winning Game 1 at home. Atlanta erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit in Game 2, winning 107-106 on a late surge led by McCollum. The series now hinges on Game 4 in Atlanta.
Key Players & Performances
Jalen Brunson posted 26 points, three turnovers and missed all five three-point attempts. Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 17 rebounds. CJ McCollum led Atlanta with 23 points, including the decisive jumper. OG Anunoby scored a team-high 29 for New York; Mikal Bridges recorded zero points and four turnovers.
Statistical Snapshot
New York shot 43 % overall and 28.6 % from three, committing 18 turnovers. Atlanta made 45.5 % of its shots and 33.3 % from three. The Knicks’ bench contributed 16 points on 23 possessions; the Hawks’ bench added 31 points, led by Jonathan Kuminga’s 21 off the bench.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Mike Brown said the defeat underscored the team's failure to play at its best and emphasized the need to regroup before Game 4. Brunson expressed frustration, admitting he had no clear answer for the final possessions. Towns acknowledged disappointment but framed it as a sign of caring and urged the team to focus on the next game. Hawks coach Quin Snyder praised his squad’s execution, calling the winning attempt a great shot and highlighting collective effort.
Criticism of Coaching and Bench Production
Analysts fault Brown’s rotation for benching Brunson and Towns together for long stretches in Games 2 and 3, limiting offensive options. Mikal Bridges’ $150 million contract draws scrutiny after a scoreless outing, and the bench’s 16 points are deemed sub-par for a playoff series.
On-Court Narrative of Final Minutes
Trailing 108-107, Brunson drove baseline, was double-teamed by Onyeka Okongwu and Jonathan Kuminga, and passed to Josh Hart. Hart’s pass slipped, rolling to Atlanta for the final possession. The arena erupted as McCollum’s jumper fell, and the buzzer sounded on the Knicks’ turnover.
Conflicting Analyses & Unresolved Issues
Sources disagree on the loss’s primary cause: some cite poor shooting and turnovers, others blame coaching decisions and bench inefficiency. No consensus exists on whether adjusting the Brunson-Towns pick-and-roll or altering defensive schemes would have changed the outcome.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now, this should sting because we gave ourselves a chance knowing we didn’t play our best basketball.” — Mike Brown, coach
- “I wish I had a better answer for you,” — Jalen Brunson, guard
- “It’s O.K. to be disappointed, that means we care. Got to get the next one.” — Karl-Anthony Towns
Looking Ahead: Game 4 Stakes
Game 4 in Atlanta will decide if the Knicks can even the series.
