NBA: McCollum Decides Thriller in New York for Hawks (107-106) [1-1]

NEW YORK. The Atlanta Hawks staged a spectacular comeback to defeat the New York Knicks 107-106 in the NBA playoffs, tying the first-round series 1-1. CJ McCollum, who scored 32 points, led Georgia's late-game rally on a night when Atlanta erased a 12-point deficit at the end of the third quarter and stole home-court advantage at Madison Square Garden.

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The New York Knicks started with better momentum, driven by their defensive intensity and control of the game's pace. The New York team found advantages for much of the contest and managed to maintain the lead on the scoreboard throughout the entire second half. Jalen Brunson, the local offensive leader, once again sustained his team with key baskets, while Karl-Anthony Towns grew into the game after a quiet start.

After a subdued first half from Towns, the center exploded in the third quarter with 14 points, leading the Knicks' best stretch. New York opened up a lead of 78-64, consolidating a double-digit advantage and leaving the game seemingly in hand. At the end of the third quarter, the Knicks led by 12 and the Garden sensed a 2-0 series lead was near.

But the Atlanta Hawks refused to quit. The visiting team elevated their aggression, found energy off the bench, and began chipping away at the deficit. Jonathan Kuminga, with 19 points off the bench, provided immediate impact, while Jalen Johnson added 17 points and several crucial plays on both ends of the floor.

The comeback was capped by the talent of CJ McCollum. A basket from him put the Hawks up 101-100, their first lead of the second half in the entire series, with 2:09 remaining. He then extended the lead, answered Brunson's three-pointer that tied the game, and struck again with another shot for 103-105 with 33 seconds left.

Atlanta still had to sweat it out. McCollum missed two free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining, leaving one final possession for the Knicks. Without timeouts available, New York pushed the pace, but Mikal Bridges missed the final shot and the Hawks pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the NBA day.

Jalen Brunson finished with 29 points for the Knicks, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 18. Josh Hart completed a solid performance with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists, insufficient to prevent a painful loss.

The victory allows the Atlanta Hawks to tie the series and regain home-court advantage before returning to Georgia. The New York Knicks, who were looking to take control of the series en route to a fourth consecutive Conference Semifinals appearance, are now forced to respond in Game 3 on Thursday.