Hawks Edge Knicks 109-108 in Game 3 of NBA Playoffs Series
The Atlanta Hawks secured a narrow 109-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series on April 23, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The win gives the Hawks a 2-1 series lead as the matchup shifts back to Madison Square Garden for Game 4.
With the game tied at 108 apiece in the final seconds, Jonathan Kuminga came up with a critical defensive play, stripping the ball from Jalen Brunson as the Knicks looked to inbound and set up a potential game-winning shot. The turnover led to a fast-break opportunity for Atlanta, though the Hawks were unable to convert before the buzzer sounded.
Despite the defensive stop, the Hawks clung to a one-point lead thanks to earlier free throws and timely baskets throughout the fourth quarter. The game featured multiple lead changes and substitutions in the closing minutes, including a full timeout by New York with 12.5 seconds remaining as they trailed 108-109.
During that timeout, the Knicks made several adjustments, bringing back Jalen Brunson into the game whereas inserting Karl-Anthony Towns for Mikal Bridges. The Hawks responded by calling their own timeout shortly after, setting up the final defensive sequence that ultimately preserved Atlanta’s lead.
Jalen Johnson played a key role in the Hawks’ offensive effort, assisting on a fadeaway jumper by CJ McCollum from 16 feet that set Atlanta ahead 109-108 with just seconds left. McCollum’s shot came after a substitution sequence that saw Dyson Daniels enter the game in place of the injured McCollum earlier in the quarter.
The Knicks fought back valiantly, with Brunson re-entering the lineup in an attempt to create a final shot opportunity. Although, Kuminga’s steal disrupted New York’s inbound play, preventing them from advancing the ball past halfcourt before time expired.
Throughout the fourth quarter, both teams made frequent substitutions as coaches sought advantageous matchups. Landry Shamet and Mikal Bridges both saw action in the final minute for New York, while Atlanta utilized their bench to maintain defensive intensity.
The victory improves the Hawks’ position in the series, leveraging their home-court advantage in the opening three games. Atlanta entered the contest as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, while New York held the third seed despite dropping Games 1 and 3 at home.
Statistically, the game remained closely contested throughout, with neither team able to establish a double-digit lead at any point. The low-scoring affair reflected the defensive intensity typical of playoff basketball, particularly in the closing minutes when every possession carried heightened significance.
For the Hawks, the win validates their early-season form that saw them finish first in the Southeast Division. Their ability to close out tight games on the road will be tested in Game 4, scheduled for April 25, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The Knicks, meanwhile, face the urgency of avoiding a 3-1 series deficit. Despite the loss, New York showed resilience in overcoming early deficits and pushing the game to its final seconds, indicating they remain capable of extending the series if they can adjust their late-game execution.
As the series progresses, both teams will likely focus on refining their end-of-game strategies, particularly inbound plays and defensive rotations during critical moments. The ability to force turnovers and contest shots in the final five seconds could prove decisive in determining the series outcome.
Looking ahead, the winner of this series will advance to face either the Miami Heat or the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinals, depending on the outcome of the other first-round matchup in the Atlantic Division bracket.
Fans wishing to follow the series can tune in to official NBA broadcast partners or attend remaining games at State Farm Arena and Madison Square Garden, with tickets available through authorized team and league channels.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the NBA playoffs, including updates on player availability, coaching adjustments, and series implications as the Hawks and Knicks prepare for Game 4.
Next checkpoint: Game 4 of the Hawks-Knicks series, scheduled for April 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
What are your thoughts on the Hawks’ narrow victory and the Knicks’ chances to even the series? Share your predictions and reactions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow basketball fans.
