Knicks Fall 109-108 to Hawks in NBA Playoffs Game 3

The Atlanta Hawks secured a 109-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series on April 23, 2026, taking a 2-1 series lead. The win came courtesy of a late-game heroics from CJ McCollum, who delivered the decisive basket with just 12.5 seconds remaining.

The contest unfolded at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, where the Hawks built an early advantage and led for much of the game. Atlanta opened with an 18-point lead in the first half before New York mounted a furious comeback.

With the Knicks holding a 108-105 edge after Jalen Brunson’s three-point play with 1:03 left, the Hawks appeared poised to lose. However, Jalen Johnson – who led Atlanta with 24 points – scored to cut the deficit to one. Josh Hart then missed a three-point attempt for New York, setting up the dramatic finish.

After securing the offensive rebound, the Knicks failed to get off a shot before the 24-second clock expired. Brunson subsequently turned the ball over, and the horn sounded as Atlanta held on for the win.

“You couldn’t ask for anything better than that,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said, expressing frustration over the missed opportunity. “Less than a minute to go in the game and a chance to go up by three.”

McCollum finished with 23 points, including the game-winning fadeaway jumper from 15 feet. Hawks coach Quin Snyder praised the shot but emphasized the team effort: “They work, they share. That’s the thing about this group that I’ve enjoyed so much.”

Jonathan Kuminga provided a significant spark off the Hawks’ bench with 21 points. For New York, OG Anunoby led all scorers with 29 points, whereas Brunson added 26 and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 21.

Brown criticized the officiating, believing referees missed some calls near the basket, but acknowledged his team needed to create better decisions down the stretch. The Knicks now face elimination pressure heading into Game 4, scheduled for Saturday in Atlanta.

The Hawks will appear to close out the series on their home court, having demonstrated resilience after losing Game 2 at Madison Square Garden. New York must win two of the next three games to advance, with the series shifting back to New York for Games 5 and potentially 7 if necessary.

As the playoffs continue, both teams will review the final minutes of Game 3 – a sequence that encapsulated the fine margins that often determine postseason outcomes.

Game 4 between the Hawks and Knicks is scheduled for Saturday in Atlanta. Tip-off time and broadcast details will be announced by the NBA closer to the date.

What are your thoughts on the Hawks’ late-game execution and the Knicks’ missed opportunities? Share your analysis in the comments below.