Full Breakdown
Knicks' Game 3 Collapse: 109-108 Loss Exposes Play-Calling Flaws and Core Uncertainty
4/25/2026, 3:00:01 AM
Game Summary & Critical Moment
Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series at State Farm Arena ended 109-108 in favor of the Atlanta Hawks, giving them a 2-1 series lead. With 12.5 seconds remaining, the Knicks inbounded to Jalen Brunson, who was double-teamed on the baseline and threw an errant pass that turned over the ball. CJ McCollum’s jumper at the buzzer secured the win.
Background & Stakes
The Knicks entered the playoffs as the third seed after three straight 50-win seasons. Owner James Dolan, who publicly demanded a championship, watched the loss from the arena’s upper deck. The series pits a veteran-heavy Knicks core—Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby—against a Hawks team that traded away Trae Young mid-season and is fighting to avoid the play-in.
Key Stats
Mikal Bridges finished scoreless (0-3 FG, 0-2 3PT, 1 REB, 2 AST, 4 TO, –26 PLUS/MINUS) in 21 minutes, his first playoff zero-point game since March 8. The Knicks committed 16 turnovers; the Hawks shot 44 % from three. Josh Hart made 1 of 9 shots in 40 minutes. Historically, teams that win a Game 3 after trailing 2-1 succeed 74 % of the time, but the Knicks have lost 17 of 20 such series.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Mike Brown said the team “didn’t play our best basketball” and that the sting should drive a “locked-in” effort for Game 4. Jalen Brunson labeled the final possession a “missed opportunity.” Karl-Anthony Towns accepted disappointment, noting “it means we care” and urging the squad to “get the next one.” Josh Hart stressed early offensive struggles and the need to “regroup and stay focused.” Owner James Dolan observed the Knicks “didn’t play their best basketball” and expressed concern about the series trajectory.
Criticism & Opposition
Former NBA star Blake Griffin called the final play “not the play I would’ve drawn up,” urging a simpler, quicker ball-movement approach. NBA legend Steve Nash blamed an ineffective Karl-Anthony Towns screen on Dyson Daniels for the breakdown. Dirk Nowitzki warned that over-reliance on a single star can stall a team, calling the close losses “shocking.” Former Heat forward Udonis Haslem questioned, “Do they really execute?” highlighting perceived lapses.
Conflicting Views on the Final Play
Brown maintained the design was to clear the right side for Brunson, while Griffin and Nash argued that poor spacing and an ineffective screen made the execution fail.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That didn’t look like a broken play,” — Blake Griffin, former NBA star
- “I think they tried to get KAT to go and screen for Brunson,” — Steve Nash, NBA legend
- “We cleared the side of the floor for him,” — Mike Brown, Knicks head coach
- “I was so sloppy with the ball,” — Mikal Bridges, Knicks forward
What’s Next
Game 4 returns to Atlanta on Saturday. The Knicks must improve spacing, screening and late-game decision-making while getting Bridges back into the offense. Brown’s play-calling will be under scrutiny, and the franchise’s future core could be reassessed if the series extends.
