NBA: Hawks Take Series Lead Over Knicks with McCollum's Game-Winner (109-108) [2-1]

ATLANTA. The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks 109-108 in the NBA playoffs thanks to a clutch basket by CJ McCollum with 12.5 seconds remaining. The victory gives Atlanta a 2-1 series lead in this first-round NBA matchup after another heartbreaking loss for New York, which let the game slip away down the stretch.

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The Atlanta Hawks' victory once again bore the signature of CJ McCollum, who was decisive in the second game in New York and again played a starring role in this NBA matchup. The veteran shooting guard received the ball with his team down one point and responded with a fadeaway from mid-range to break open a tightly contested game.

The opening was clearly favorable to the Atlanta Hawks. Head coach Quin Snyder's squad set the pace from the start and found success from beyond the arc to quickly build a lead. A 27-12 run in the final seven minutes of the first quarter completely changed the complexion of the game. Within that stretch came a devastating 11-0 run, capped by three consecutive three-pointers: one from Mouhamed Gueye and two straight from Jonathan Kuminga, igniting the crowd at State Farm Arena.

CJ McCollum also started hot. The point guard opened the scoring for Atlanta with a step-back from the perimeter and reached halftime with 16 points. He also made a crucial defensive play, blocking Josh Hart on a clear transition opportunity for the Knicks.

The Atlanta Hawks led by as much as 18 points in the first half, but the New York Knicks rallied before the break with a 12-2 run to limit the damage and head to the locker room trailing 58-50.

After halftime, New York continued to grow into the game. OG Anunoby carried the offensive load for the Knicks with 29 points, while Jalen Brunson added 26 and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 21. With 1:03 remaining, Brunson completed a three-point play to make it 108-105 and give the impression of a complete comeback.

But Atlanta answered back. Jalen Johnson, the team's leading scorer with 24 points, converted a layup to bring his team closer. Then came the decisive moment: Hart's missed three-pointer, a wasted possession by New York, and on the next possession, CJ McCollum's game-winning basket.

The Knicks still had one final possession, but Brunson turned the ball over and the game ended without a final shot. Another missed opportunity for a team that dominated the closing stretch but couldn't finish the job.

Jonathan Kuminga was also crucial off the bench with 21 points, providing energy and secondary scoring for the Atlanta Hawks, who strike again in these NBA playoffs.

With this result, the Atlanta Hawks take a 2-1 series lead and will defend their home court again in Game 4 on Saturday. The New York Knicks, forced to respond, need to bounce back to avoid being backed into a corner in the series.