I’ve got good news, and I’ve got bad news, New York Knicks fans…
The bad news is that the Atlanta Hawks have taken a 2-1 series lead, after winning Game 3 by a score of 109-108.
CJ McCollum only needed a first-half heater to keep New York at bay, scoring 16 of his 23 in the first two quarters and ensuring a first-half Atlanta lead.
The good news? Any and all questions about Mike Brown and this Knicks team will be answered over the rest of this series.
New York was only in this game late thanks to a couple of miracle threes from OG Anunoby, who finished the night with 29 points to lead the team.
The offense sputtered, the defense was ragged, and Brown once again went to lineups featuring no Jalen Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns.
Atlanta deserves a lot of credit for where it finds itself. But at each moment that they’ve faltered in this series, the Knicks have failed to capitalize.
What we’re witnessing is the unraveling of a team that swore all season long they stood together, and perhaps an overzealous gamble on coaching by the front office.
It’s not over until it’s over, but if New York’s effort in Games 2 and 3 is any indicator, the Knicks’ grip on this series is sweaty-palmed and loosening.
Brown, Brunson, and company will get an opportunity to bounce back on Saturday in Game 4. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm EST.
