Hawks Tie Series With Knicks Behind C.J. McCollum’s First 30-Point Playoff Game Since 2022

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by Matthew MendivesApril 23, 2026, 1:31 am >

Veteran guard C.J. McCollum had a throwback game in the Atlanta Hawks’ victory over the New York Knicks.

The Hawks defeated the Knicks 107-106. This tied their playoff series at one win for each team.

McCollum scored 32 points in the Hawks’ victory to lead the team. Jonathan Kuminga also had a good scoring game with 19 points off the bench.

Both McCollum and Kuminga were acquired midseason. McCollum was traded to the Hawks in a package for Trae Young, while Kuminga was traded for Kristaps Porzingis.

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McCollum averaged 18.7 points per game this season, the third-lowest mark of his career. Despite this, he had a huge playoff performance for the Hawks.

This is McCollum’s first time scoring 30 or more in a playoff game since 2022 with the New Orleans Pelicans. He scored 30 points in a loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Karl-Anthony Towns had a strong game for the Knicks with 18 points and eight rebounds. Despite this, he only took four shots in the second half. Josh Hart made major contributions with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Jalen Brunson struggled in this game, shooting 10 of 26 from the field. Despite this, the Knicks still had a chance to win.

McCollum missed two free throws with 0.6 seconds remaining. Hart got the rebound and quickly passed the basketball downcourt to Mikal Bridges. Bridges got a good look from mid-range but missed, securing the Hawks’ win.

The NBC Broadcast showed the Knicks still had one timeout. Knicks head coach Mike Brown was asked why he didn’t use a timeout. He told reporters he didn’t have one, and the scorekeepers confirmed it.

The next game of the series will be on April 23. The next two games of the series will be at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.