We’ve got ourselves a series.
The New York Knicks — who took Game 1 — squandered a double-digit lead and opportunity to reclaim it late in the fourth quarter after two missed free throws by CJ McCollum, losing to the Atlanta Hawks 107-106. The series now heads back to Atlanta tied at a game apiece.
For most of the game, New York felt firmly in control. The Knicks led by 7 at halftime and increased it to 12 after three quarters.
Nonetheless, the Hawks’ athleticism took over in the back half of the fourth quarter. Atlanta outscored the home team an incredible 28-15 in the final frame to eke out the Game 2 victory.
Not even McCollum’s two missed free throws late could save the Knicks. Mikal Bridges’s baseline jumper at the horn never had a chance.
Jalen Brunson led the pack in the scoring column for New York with 29 points to go along with seven assists, but his 38% shooting (10-26) left much to be desired for the orange and blue.
The aforementioned McCollum led all scorers in the game with 32, and his late-game heroics in spite of the missed pair at the charity stripe proved to be enough to survive the night.
Karl-Anthony Towns had a great night on both sides of the ball, but was left scoreless in the final frame due to an overall lack of team basketball as the lead slipped away. He finished his outing with just 18 points (8-12 FG, 2-5 3PT) and eight rebounds.
The Knicks will look to stabilize their equilibrium in enemy territory. Game 3 of the first-round matchup takes place at State Farm Arena on Thursday, April 23.
