Knicks Aim to Avert Crisis with Win in Atlanta
The Knicks suffered a stunning 107-106 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden. New York blew a 12-point lead entering the fourth quarter and left the Garden with questions.
Final moments and key plays
C.J. McCollum led Atlanta with 32 points. He missed two free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining.
Josh Hart grabbed the second miss and pushed the ball upcourt. He found Mikal Bridges, who pulled up for a fadeaway with 1.4 seconds left. The shot missed, sealing the Hawks’ one-point victory.
Coaching decisions under scrutiny
Knicks coach Mike Brown attracted criticism for his late-game management. He declined to use a use-it-or-lose-it timeout, then burned another timeout with 2:43 left.
Brown also sat Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns for stretches late in the game. He later acknowledged the need for a clearer endgame plan.
Hawks mentality and reaction
Atlanta coach Quin Snyder said his young team embraced the opportunity and showed no limits. The Hawks played with increased confidence in the fourth quarter.
Brown observed the opponent played with desperation. The Knicks, by contrast, lacked toughness when it mattered most.
Numbers that hurt New York
The Knicks missed 10 of 27 free throws. They also committed costly turnovers and lost too many 50-50 plays.
New York managed just 15 points in the fourth quarter. Karl-Anthony Towns was limited down the stretch.
Series implications
This result evened the series at one game apiece. The Knicks now face the prospect of needing wins in Atlanta to avoid deeper trouble.
New York must regroup quickly. The Knicks aim to avert crisis and will pursue a win in Atlanta to regain control.
Veteran presence and history
Patrick Ewing attended the game courtside. His presence recalled past playoff heartbreaks in Madison Square Garden.
Players and coaches referenced familiar postseason stumbles. The loss revived concerns about the Knicks’ ability to advance in a championship-focused season.
- Final score: Hawks 107, Knicks 106
- C.J. McCollum: 32 points
- Knicks fourth-quarter points: 15
- Free throws missed by Knicks: 10 of 27
- Series status: tied 1-1
New York now prepares for two road games in Atlanta. The team needs urgency and cleaner execution to avoid an early playoff exit.
