CJ's clutch shot + Kuminga's decisive steal! Hawks narrowly defeat Knicks 109-108, series lead 2-1, three stars combine for 76 points

On April 24, Beijing time, the NBA playoffs continued. The Hawks edged out the Knicks 109-108 at home, advancing their series lead to 2-1. CJ McCollum posted 23 points and 5 rebounds, delivering a clutch basket. Jonathan Kuminga, in a reserve role, scored 21 points and made a crucial steal. Jalen Johnson recorded 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Hawks built an 18-point lead; the Knicks rallied to briefly take the lead in the second half but could not hold on, losing away from home. The Knicks' three stars combined for 76 points in vain.

Statistics

Knicks: OG Anunoby 29 points 9 rebounds 3 blocks, Jalen Brunson 26 points 3 rebounds 4 assists, Karl-Anthony Towns 21 points 17 rebounds 4 assists, Miles McBride 15 points, Jordan Clarkson 8 points, Jose Alvarado 5 points, Mitchell Robinson 2 points 4 rebounds, Josh Hart 2 points 9 rebounds 6 assists

Hawks: Jalen Johnson 24 points 10 rebounds 8 assists, Jonathan Kuminga 21 points 4 rebounds, CJ McCollum 23 points 5 rebounds, Lonnie Walker IV 14 points 3 rebounds, Onyeka Okongwu 9 points 7 rebounds, Dyson Daniels 8 points 13 rebounds 6 assists 3 steals, Gabe Vincent 5 points, Wenyen Gabriel 5 points

Player of the Game

McCollum and Kuminga delivered efficient performances, helping the Hawks secure another win over the Knicks.

Game Recap

In the first quarter, Brunson scored on a layup, and Anunoby added 7 consecutive points, giving the Knicks a 9-6 start. Johnson, Daniels, and McCollum quickly responded, and the Hawks unleashed an 11-0 run to take an 8-point lead. Brunson entered an offensive mode, scoring 9 points alone, but the Hawks' attack was more potent, with substitutes Kuminga and Vincent also scoring. Notably, Kuminga hit two three-pointers just before the quarter ended. At the end of the first quarter, the Hawks led 33-21.

In the second quarter, Gabriel scored on a putback dunk, and Towns added a dunk. McCollum scored 4 straight points, Alvarado converted a 2+1, Towns scored another putback, and the Knicks trailed by 10. Okongwu delivered two dunks, McCollum hit another three-pointer, and the Hawks extended their lead to 18 points. Towns and Clarkson scored on driving layups, McBride hit two three-pointers, and the Knicks mounted a 12-2 run to cut the deficit to 8 points. At halftime, the Hawks led 58-50.

In the first half, two Knicks players scored double-digits: Brunson with 13 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and Anunoby with 10 points; Towns had 8 points and 8 rebounds. Three Hawks players scored double-digits: McCollum with 16 points, Johnson and Kuminga each with 11 points.

After the break, Towns and Brunson scored on layups, Okongwu hit a three-pointer, Daniels added a putback dunk, Walker sank two three-pointers, and the Hawks led by 15. Anunoby scored 4 consecutive points, Towns hit a three-pointer, Brunson added a layup, and the Knicks responded with an 11-0 run. Johnson scored on consecutive layups, Walker and Daniels hit more three-pointers, Kuminga repeatedly attacked the basket for scores, and Anunoby added 5 points. At the end of the third quarter, the Hawks led 88-80.

In the fourth quarter, Kuminga scored on two consecutive shots, Clarkson hit a floater. McBride and Johnson traded three-pointers. Towns made two free throws, Hart scored inside, McBride hit another three-pointer, Okongwu scored on a putback, Brunson added a layup. Kuminga scored on a layup, Johnson missed two free throws, Anunoby hit a three-pointer. McCollum scored on a mid-range shot, Anunoby and McBride hit consecutive three-pointers, tying the game at 105. Brunson converted a 2+1, Johnson scored on a putback. The Knicks committed a 24-second violation, leaving the Hawks 16.1 seconds. McCollum hit the clutch shot, Kuminga made the decisive steal, and the Hawks secured the win.

Starting Lineups

Knicks: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns

Hawks: Lonnie Walker IV, CJ McCollum, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu