-
Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Hawks have the New York Knicks on the ropes, and State Farm Arena is ready to erupt as the teams face off in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference First Round playoff series tonight.
Hawks Look to Take 3-1 Lead Over Knicks in Game 4 at State Farm Arena
Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM ET, with the Hawks leading the series 2-1 after two nail-biting home victories.
Series So Far: Heart-Stoppers in Atlanta
- Game 1 (at MSG): Knicks 113, Hawks 102 – New York jumped out strong behind Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
- Game 2 (at MSG): Hawks 107, Knicks 106 – CJ McCollum went off for 32 points in a road stunner to even the series.
- Game 3 (at State Farm Arena): Hawks 109, Knicks 108 – McCollum delivered again with a clutch fadeaway jumper with 12.5 seconds left, capping a thrilling comeback win.
The Hawks have won two straight games by a single point each.
This series has been pure playoff intensity—close games, big shots, and momentum swings.
Hawks Keys to Victory: Ride the Home Crowd & Clutch Heroes
Quin Snyder’s squad has found its rhythm at home. The energy at State Farm Arena has been electric, and with a sold-out crowd expected (plus plenty of noise), the Hawks will lean on:
- CJ McCollum – The veteran guard has been unstoppable in crunch time, averaging big numbers and making game-winning plays. He’s the heartbeat of this offense right now.
- Jalen Johnson – Explosive scoring and rebounding. His versatility on both ends gives Atlanta a huge edge.
- Onyeka Okongwu & Frontcourt – Controlling the paint and glass while limiting Karl-Anthony Towns.
- Perimeter Defense (Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker) – Forcing turnovers and creating transition buckets, which has fueled Atlanta’s recent success.
Injury Note: Jock Landale (high ankle sprain) remains out, but the Hawks have managed well without him so far.
The message from the locker room is clear: Protect home court, push the pace, and make it a long night for the Knicks.
Knicks Outlook: Must-Win on the Road
New York comes in needing a victory to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole. Jalen Brunson remains their engine (expect another big scoring night), supported by Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart.
The Knicks have been strong in the paint but have struggled with turnovers and consistency from their supporting cast.
Head coach Mike Brown may tinker with the starting lineup (possibly inserting Miles McBride for more offense). The Knicks will try to slow the game, dominate the boards, and hope Brunson can engineer a road win.
Betting Odds Snapshot (as of Saturday)
- Spread: Knicks -1.5 (slight road favorite)
- Moneyline: Knicks -130 | Hawks +110
- Total: Around 214.5 points
Vegas sees a tight one, but the home crowd and Atlanta’s momentum could flip that script.
Prediction
The Hawks have the momentum, the home advantage, and the clutch performers.
Expect a fired-up State Farm Arena to push Atlanta over the top in another close battle. Hawks 112, Knicks 107 – and suddenly, it’s 3-1 with a chance to close it out in New York.
Let’s go Hawks! Rise up, Atlanta. Game 4 is here—time to make some more playoff memories. Tune in on NBC/Peacock and be loud tonight!
-
The 4th Annual Black Effect Podcast Festival returns to Atlanta to celebrate, uplift, and amplify Black voices in podcasting. It features live podcast tapings, panel discussions, the Black Marketplace (featuring Black-owned businesses), a food truck court, opportunities to pitch your own podcast, and more community activations.The star-studded event is one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
2026 Black Effect Podcast Festival: What To Know
Charlamagne Tha God will join the festival alongside some of the Black Effect’s most popular personalities for a day full of live podcast tapings and informative discussions aimed at aspiring podcasters in the Black community. The festival will be hosted by Charlamagne Tha God and “Carefully Reckless” Host and Comedian Jess Hilarious.
When Is The Black Effect Podcast Festival Taking Place?
- Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Time: Doors open at 11 AM; Event runs until 8 PM (some sources list main programming ~12 PM–7 PM)
- Location: Pullman Yards, 225 Rogers St NE, Atlanta, GA 30317 (same venue as previous years)
Where Is Pullman Yards Located In Atlanta?
Pullman Yards is located at 225 Rogers St NE, Atlanta, GA 30317. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
You don’t want to miss this new festival in Atlanta.
This is a one-day event full of live recordings, conversations, and culture—perfect for podcast fans and aspiring creators. If you’re looking for specific lineup details, ticket prices, or anything else, let me know!The Black Effect Podcast Festival sponsors will be on-site at the event with engaging activations for attendees. In addition, the festival will also feature iHeartMedia Atlanta’s very own DJ Loui Vee and a variety of other activities such as a pop-up marketplace showcasing merchandise from Black-owned businesses, a family game room and gaming tournament hosted by The Trap Nerds, a photo booth, a career corner and more.
Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
- Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
-
One of Atlanta’s best neighborhoods is hosting its annual spring celebration. As the name suggests, the Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes combines two popular events over the same weekend.
The free event is a must-attend for those who love Atlanta’s best festivals.
Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes: What To Know
Inman Park, one of the city’s most historic and scenic neighborhoods, is the site of several historic homes and parks. The festival began in the early 1970s as a means to attract attention to gentrification efforts that sought to revitalize the community. Now it’s one of Midtown’s biggest events.
The festival also includes:
- A Parade: Come see some of Atlanta’s wild and quirky groups march through the streets of Inman Park. at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
- Music: A slate of bands is scheduled to perform a wide variety of music across three stages on Saturday and Sunday.
- Dance Festival: Every year The Trolley Barn hosts a program of classical and contemporary dance. Check out the dance page to learn more about the dance program.
- Kids’ Zone: Kids can play in several areas such as the Little Gnomes Zone, which includes slides, obstacles courses, crafts, a great playground, aerial acrobats, the Reptile Wrangler, and other surprises.
- Arts & Crafts Show and Street Market: See goods from more than 75 artists from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday and Sunday.
The festival organizers do not recommend driving to the neighborhood. They prefer that you walk, bike, Marta, Uber, Lyft to the event.
When Is The Inman Park Festival & Tour Of Homes?
- Tour of Homes: Friday–Sunday, April 24–26, 2026, 12–4 p.m. (self-guided).
- Festival: Saturday–Sunday, April 25–26, 2026, starting at 11 a.m. (free).
The parade is on Saturday at 2 p.m. The only public event on Friday is the Tour of Homes preview.
Admission
- Festival events (except Tour of Homes): Free.
- Tour of Homes tickets: $35 in advance (pre-sale before April 24); $40 during the event weekend. One child under 12 per ticketed adult is free (must be supervised). Tickets are valid all weekend, but each house can be visited only once per ticket. Digital vouchers with QR code + photo ID accepted, or exchange for a physical booklet. festival.inmanpark.org
Purchase advance tickets via Eventeny or at the official site: inmanparkfestival.org (or festival.inmanpark.org).
2026 Tour highlights: Features homes mostly in the southeastern quadrant, including several first-time participants like 1054 Euclid, 1063 Euclid, 1089 Austin, and 1165 Alta.
Notable stops include the modern “Tree House” at 231 DeGress Ave. (built 1999) and historic properties with rich stories. The tour is compact and walkable.
For a complete list of events, to volunteer or to purchase advance tickets to the tour of homes visit our website: inmanparkfestival.org
Where Is The Inman Park Festival And Tour Of Homes?
The Inman Park Festival is happening in Atlanta’s historic Inman Park neighborhood, which is located east of Atlanta’s Midtown area and bounded by Freedom Parkway, DeKalb and Lake Aves. including Lake, Hurt, and DeKalb Aves., and Krog Street.Final Word
Aside from a bevy of nice hotels, the city has plenty of nice places to stay and numerous cool things to do.
Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
-
Looking for a wig that will last for a while? Let me introduce you to Outre wigs, which I have been using for a few years. If you’re looking for a wig that is durable, the Outre wig is one of the better brands of hairpieces sold online.
In this article, we’re going to go over what makes Outre wigs so special as well as tell you a little about the company.
Are Outre Wigs Good?
Outre wigs are known for their ability to withstand fair amounts of heat and other effects of the weather. That makes them very valuable for people who are on the go.
The brand specializes in wigs as well as hair weaves, braids, and additions. While Outre wigs are for everyone, they are especially popular among black women.
Here’s what one reviewer says about her Outre wig: ” I can’t believe I once paid over $1500 for this same look on my real hair in Beverly Hills! This wig is a little thinner than expected but that’s ok. For $30 it’s a one and done wig and is a nice one to add to my collection. I own several wigs, ranging from $30-1000 and believe me, this is a great one and a steal!”
Are Outre Wigs Made Out Of Human Hair?
Outre wigs are typically made out ot 100% human hair. Although their are some synthetic varieties.
Let’s look at some of the different styles of Outre wigs available online.
Outre Kinky Curly Half Wig Human Hair 200 Density
Outre Neesha Soft & Natural Synthetic Swiss Lace Front
Outre Melted Hairline Lace Front
Blonde Contour Lace Front
Frontal Effect Hairline
What Is A Human Hair Blend?
Some people who prefer the Outre brand or similar ones, may be confused about what human hair blends are.
Human hair blends are typically a combination of synthetic strands mixed with human hair. The human hair usually is comprised of damaged cuticles that are supplemented by the synthetic strands.Final Word
Outre wigs have a reputation for being luxurious, thus they’re typically worn for big events or special occasions, but you can wear them anywhere.
While they are popular, Outre is not the only top brand of wig there is. Here are some other wigs you might like.
The Atlanta hair industry is one of the largest in the Southeast, with more than 8 million people getting groomed each month.
But you can do it yourself. All you need are some quality shears and some high-performance clippers to get the job done. Check out our Beauty Page for other ways to get shaped up.
-
Real Housewives of Atlanta star Drew Sidora’s long-running marriage to Ralph Pittman has been one of the franchise’s most tumultuous storylines, filled with on-screen arguments, allegations of infidelity, and public reconciliations.
But behind the cameras, their divorce—filed in March 2023 and still not finalized as of April 2026—has turned even uglier, with private text messages between the couple now part of court filings and splashed across media outlets.
RHOA Star Drew Sidora Text Messages Reveal Bitter Divorce Battle Over Money, Kids, and Betrayal
The latest chapter emerged this week when TMZ obtained and published alleged text exchanges from mid-April 2026.
These messages were submitted as evidence in Drew’s ongoing effort to reverse a court order requiring her to vacate the couple’s Georgia marital home by the end of May 2026.
Drew claims she faces homelessness without more financial support, while accusing Ralph of financial control and emotional warfare.2
The Texts: Money, ‘Ultimate Betrayal,’ and Clown Emojis
The exchange, dated April 13–14, 2026, centers on household expenses, child support, and Drew’s contributions during their marriage. It quickly spirals into personal attacks.
Drew texted Ralph on April 13:
“I most definitely cannot afford 9K of household expenses at this time. Are you going to pay for half of the groceries as well as half of the kids’ expenses for the month?”
Ralph replied the next morning, calling his position “very generous” and reminding her that she “haven’t contributed anything towards the home for a number of years.” He warned that failure to pay could result in contempt of court.35
Drew fired back, detailing her financial support over the years:
“Ralph, how can you say I haven’t given you money toward the house in years? I’ve given you 50% of my money for Real Housewives and all along you were getting paid directly from Bravo as well! I gave you 50% of my endorsement deals … and my movies. Let’s talk about how you took $300,000 out of my money I received personally on my personal injury settlement.”
Ralph dismissed the claims: “You’re making stuff up again so I won’t entertain.”
The conversation escalated the following day. Drew wrote:
“You have done the ultimate betrayal and tried to destroy me as their mom, defame my character, career, brand and me as a human being time and time again, so please just focus on what’s best for the kids moving forward.”
Ralph responded with a blistering reply accusing her of lies and poor parenting:
“You can no longer hide and don’t want people to see you for who u really are. All the lies you told are being cleared without me doing anything. You’re a terrible person, and I pray you work on your spirit. Don’t try and act like u want to be a mom now. It’s too late. You’re too delusional to even understand what’s happening. Try praying for yourself.”
Drew then brought up a past church incident:
“You got banished from church for trying to date the politician’s daughter you loser. My mom and I tried to save you, but only God can save you now. I pray you repent.”
Ralph mocked her with laughing emojis and clown faces, replying:
“Awwww I tried to date the politician’s daughter and u and ur mom tried to save me … I know I’m a loser and guess what, you are too … Watch when you get your attorney bill. Ur really gonna feel like a loser.”35
Earlier Leak Allegations Add Fuel to the Fire
This isn’t the first time text messages have ignited their legal war. In June 2025—months before the latest home-vacation order—Drew filed court documents accusing Ralph of stealing private text messages directly from her cell phone. L
She claimed he forwarded them to a media outlet and posted them online, complete with false narratives designed to humiliate her and damage her reputation and career.
Drew, who has been in the spotlight since childhood as an actress and singer, argued that the leak violated their mutual restraining order. She asked the judge to fine Ralph $1,000 per violation and jail him for up to 20 days.
Court records from that filing emphasized Ralph’s alleged “disdain” for Drew, stating that personal animosity does not justify public humiliation.
While the exact content of those 2025 messages has not been fully detailed in public reports, earlier reports suggested some involved Drew’s personal communications outside the marriage.
A History of On-Screen and Off-Screen Drama
Fans of RHOA will remember earlier seasons where text messages played a starring role
Drew once confronted Ralph on camera about flirty exchanges with a former assistant who offered him a massage. Reunion episodes have also featured Drew sharing or reacting to messages involving other cast members and alleged third parties.
The couple’s on-air attempts at reconciliation—complete with therapy sessions and emotional pleas—often contrasted sharply with the private battles now leaking into public view.
Drew has repeatedly alleged infidelity and mental abuse in amended divorce filings, while Ralph has denied many claims, including recent accusations involving their children.
As of April 2026, the divorce remains unresolved, with both sides trading accusations of financial misconduct, parental fitness, and character assassination.19
What’s Next?
With Drew pleading poverty despite her RHOA salary and Ralph insisting she has not pulled her weight financially for years, the text messages paint a picture of two people who once built a life together now fighting over its remnants.
Whether these exchanges will sway the judge on the home-vacation order or influence the final divorce settlement remains to be seen.
As the case drags on, one thing is clear: for Drew Sidora and Ralph Pittman, the private texts that once stayed between husband and wife have become the latest public battleground in one of Atlanta’s messiest reality-TV divorces.
The couple’s fans—and the RHOA audience—will undoubtedly be watching closely for the next chapter.
-
ATLANTA — A hometown success story in independent filmmaking is hitting screens this week as Alex & Mor: A Love Odyssey, the debut feature from Atlanta-raised director Tim Glover, premieres exclusively on the free streaming platform Mometu starting Friday, April 24, 2026.
Born in Augusta, and raised right here in Atlanta, Glover left college in 2010 to pursue filmmaking full time.
Alex & Mor: A Love Odyssey Streaming Now
His journey has taken him from award-winning short films to working behind the scenes on some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters — including Avengers: Endgame, The Suicide Squad, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Superman — as a prop assistant and on-set VFX team member. Now, he’s channeling that big-studio experience into a deeply personal, independent project.
Glover wrote, directed, produced, filmed, and edited Alex & Mor: A Love Odyssey himself
The visually striking romantic drama follows a couple seeking to reunite across space and time, blending emotional intimacy with ambitious, cinematic storytelling.
What started as a small proof-of-concept idea grew over five years into a full-length feature, pieced together during breaks from his day jobs on major productions.
“This film started as a proof of concept, something I just needed to create,” Glover said. “Over time, it grew into something much bigger. We built it piece by piece, stayed committed to the vision, and trusted the process every step of the way.”
The movie recently screened at the Phoenix Film Festival, earning positive reception in a filmmaker-friendly environment. Mometu, a free ad-supported platform dedicated to independent and underserved cinema, picked it up for an exclusive North American streaming release.
Bryan Louzil, President of Mometu, praised the film’s quality: “This is exactly the kind of film that defines why Mometu exists. The level of quality here is undeniable. This is a film that could easily sit alongside titles on Netflix or Hulu. It’s visually stunning, the performances are captivating, and the story behind how it was made over five years makes it even more impactful.”
Glover chose Mometu because of the platform’s genuine support for independent voices. “I didn’t want this film to just be placed somewhere and get lost in the mix,” he explained. “I wanted it to be on a platform that would support it and give it the attention it deserves.”
The cast includes Allie L. Harris, Jeremy Colwell, Thomas D. Brown II, and others. The story is described as both a sweeping love epic and a testament to the grit of indie filmmaking.
Where Is Alex & Mor: A Love Odyssey Streaming?
Atlanta viewers can stream Alex & Mor: A Love Odyssey for free on Mometu beginning April 24 across Roku, Fire TV, Vizio, Samsung, Apple TV, and mobile devices (iOS and Android). No subscription is required.
Glover’s path from Atlanta to working on major superhero films and back to telling his own story highlights the talent coming out of Georgia’s thriving film scene. For local movie lovers, this is a chance to support an Atlanta filmmaker’s long-gestating dream without leaving the couch.
About Mometu
Mometu offers a curated library of over 10,000 independent, international, and underserved titles, all available free with ads across connected TV and mobile platforms.Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for more on Georgia filmmakers and entertainment news.
There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.
See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
Read More From AtlantaFi.com:
-
A Georgia judge has ruled that Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore’s company must pay more than $87,000 in back rent and utilities for her Atlanta hair salon, with the business also ordered to continue monthly payments or risk losing the property.
Video posted on social media showed footage of items outside Moore’s hair salon appearing to be curbside.
Kenya Moore Speaks Out After Salon Eviction
“I have spent the last several weeks moving out of my salon as a result of my ongoing legal battle with the landlord who has failed to reimburse me nearly $80K of improvement funds I am rightfully owed,”Moore said in a statement. “My only recourse was to withhold rent and file a countersuit. I already have my outfit laid out for court chile!”
According to court documents, the judge ordered Moore Vision Media—the company behind the Kenya Moore Hair Spa—to pay $43,988 by late February 2026 and another $43,988.67 by late March 2026, for a total of $87,976.
In addition, the company was directed to pay approximately $5,500 per month in ongoing rent until the spa vacates the premises or the lease dispute is otherwise resolved.
Background of the Dispute
Kenya Moore opened the Kenya Moore Hair Spa in Atlanta in June 2024.
Just months later, the business allegedly stopped making payments. The landlord, Northland Chamblee LLC, filed a lawsuit in October 2025, claiming unpaid rent and utilities dating back to December 2024.
The judge sided with the landlord in the initial ruling, requiring the two installment payments for the arrears plus continued monthly rent.
However, a couple of weeks after the decision, the landlord reportedly filed a new motion asserting that Moore Vision Media missed the first court-ordered deadline. The landlord then demanded immediate possession of the property.
Kenya Moore’s Response
Moore has pushed back against the reports, denying that her company owes the money.
In statements shared on social media, she claimed the dispute is more complex and that her company is actually the one owed money—allegedly nearly $80,000 in a tenant improvement allowance that the landlord failed to provide.
She has described the media coverage of unpaid rent as “false” and maintained that the matter is part of an ongoing lawsuit involving disagreements over lease terms and building improvements.9
Some reports note that Moore personally invested significant funds (reportedly around $300,000 in some accounts) into renovating the space, which may have contributed to the withholding of rent while negotiations or disputes played out.
Current Status
As of the latest available information from early 2026, the case remains active.
The court had not immediately ruled on the landlord’s request for possession following the alleged missed payment, but the situation has escalated with additional filings. Moore Vision Media continues to operate under the lease terms as the legal battle unfolds.
This development adds another layer of public scrutiny to Kenya Moore’s entrepreneurial ventures outside of reality television.
The RHOA alum has positioned the hair spa as a personal brand extension, but the financial and legal challenges highlight the complexities of running a commercial business in a competitive market.
The full outcome of the dispute—whether payments are made, the spa vacates, or a settlement is reached—remains to be seen as court proceedings continue.
-
ATLANTA — Production has officially wrapped on Netflix’s highly anticipated sequel to the beloved 1980s sitcom A Different World, with filming taking place in Atlanta.
The new series returns to the fictional historically Black college (HBCU) Hillman College, following the lives and adventures of a fresh generation of students navigating campus life in the 21st century.
Filming Ends for A Different World in Atlanta
Like the original show, it will explore themes of friendship, growth, and the unique experiences of college at an HBCU.
The story centers on Deborah, the rebellious daughter of original characters Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne.
She is portrayed by Hell’s Kitchen alum Maleah Joi Moon, while Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison reprise their iconic roles as her parents. The 10-episode comedy series follows Deborah and her friends as they face new challenges on a modern college campus.
Debbie Allen, who directed 83 episodes of the original series and served as its primary director from 1989 to 1993, returns as both a director and executive producer.
Filming signs for “Hillman College” appeared around Clark Atlanta University last July, sparking excitement on the real HBCU campus. Clark Atlanta University President George T. French Jr. shared his enthusiasm at the time, noting how meaningful it was to see the iconic signs on campus.
“I was ecstatic because I was raised during that period, getting ready to go to college,” French said. “To now be on the campus of Clark Atlanta University and to see these Hillman signs, it’s beautiful.”
The original A Different World, which aired from 1987 to 1993, is credited with helping boost HBCU enrollment by 26% during its run. French expressed hope that the new series will continue to inspire young people to consider HBCUs.
“We are growing, busting at the seams, and it really all goes back to intentional efforts like ‘A Different World,’” he said.
Local fans and alumni echoed the sentiment. One Clark Atlanta University graduate described the original show as groundbreaking for showing Black students pursuing careers in engineering, medicine, and the arts.
“It’s still relevant, and it’s going to be relevant forever,” she said.
Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment Director Cardellia Hunter also credited the series with influencing her own path: “I grew up on ‘A Different World,’ which prompted me to go to Grambling State University, a HBCU.”
Netflix has not yet announced a release date for the sequel series. Additional cast members, including Cliff “Method Man” Smith, have joined the project as production concluded.
This reboot arrives more than three decades after the original series ended, bringing nostalgia for longtime fans while introducing Hillman College to a new audience.
There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.
See Atlanta Casting Calls And Auditions Available Right Now
Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
Read More From AtlantaFi.com:
-
ATLANTA — State Farm Arena was rocking Thursday night as the Atlanta Hawks pulled out a heart-stopping 109-108 win over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.
With the victory, the sixth-seeded Hawks seized a 2-1 lead over the higher-seeded Knicks and sent a clear message: this series is far from over.
Hawks Vs. Knicks Game 3: Atlanta Does it Again
The game lived up to the playoff hype, featuring big leads, momentum swings, and a dramatic finish worthy of a Game 7.
Atlanta jumped out strong, building a double-digit advantage that they largely maintained until a late Knicks surge. But clutch execution and defense carried the day for the Hawks.
Taylor Rooks gives back to hometown with medical debt relief
Metro Atlanta native Taylor Rooks couldn’t hide her excitement after the win.
Playoff CJ McCollum Delivers Again
Veteran guard CJ McCollum, aka, “Playoff CJ,” acquired at the trade deadline, once again proved why he’s a nightmare for New York.
He finished with 23 points, including the go-ahead midrange jumper with 12.5 seconds left that gave Atlanta a 109-108 lead. McCollum shook his defender with crisp dribbles and stepped back for his signature shot over Josh Hart.
It was déjà vu from Game 2, where McCollum also starred in a comeback win.
The 34-year-old showed poise under pressure, bouncing back from a blocked layup moments earlier that helped set up Jalen Brunson’s three-point play.
Kuminga and Johnson Shine Bright
Jonathan Kuminga, another key trade acquisition from the Warriors, exploded for 21 points off the bench, adding crucial energy and a game-sealing steal in the final seconds. He went 4-for-4 early and provided the lift the
Hawks needed to stretch their lead.
Jalen Johnson delivered a near triple-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, controlling the flow and making key plays late. His all-around dominance helped Atlanta weather the Knicks’ rally.
Defensive Masterclass Seals It
The Hawks’ perimeter defense, led by Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, harassed the Knicks all night, holding them to 43% shooting overall.On the final possession, with New York trailing by one, the Hawks swarmed Jalen Brunson. Onyeka Okongwu and Kuminga converged, forcing a turnover as the ball bounced loose. Kuminga poked it away, and the clock ran out on a stunned Knicks squad.
Knicks’ Perspective
Jalen Brunson led New York with 26 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 and OG Anunoby contributed 29. Miles McBride provided a spark off the bench with 15 points, including several threes. However, New York struggled with turnovers and couldn’t convert in crunch time despite a late push that briefly gave them the lead.Coach Mike Brown acknowledged the Hawks’ resilience: “It’s a seven-game series for a reason. Stuff’s gonna happen.”
What’s Next?
The series shifts to Game 4 on Saturday, April 25, back at State Farm Arena (6 p.m. ET). The Hawks will look to build on their home dominance and push the favored Knicks to the brink, while New York must find answers to Atlanta’s balanced attack and stingy defense.Hawks fans, this team is playing with heart and belief. Let’s keep the State Farm energy electric — Atlanta is buzzing!
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for full box scores, highlights, and postgame reaction.
-
Giant pandas incoming! Zoo Atlanta announced on Thursday, April 23, that it has initiated a new International Cooperative Research Agreement on Giant Panda Conservation with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
This partnership paves the way for the arrival of two new giant pandas: male Ping Ping and female Fu Shuang.
Two New Giant Pandas Coming to Zoo Atlanta
Both pandas were born at the renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China. Ping Ping was born on March 17, 2020, and Fu Shuang on October 18, 2020.
A New Chapter After a Successful Legacy
This exciting development follows the conclusion of Zoo Atlanta’s original giant panda agreement with China, which ran from 1999 to 2024.
During that 25-year partnership, the zoo’s beloved pair, Lun Lun and Yang Yang, welcomed seven offspring between 2006 and 2016—including two sets of twins.
In October 2024, Lun Lun, Yang Yang, and their two youngest offspring, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, returned to the Chengdu Research Base. Their five older offspring also reside there.
The program produced significant advancements in panda care, breeding, and research, strengthening global conservation efforts.
“Zoo Atlanta is delighted and honored to yet again be trusted as stewards of this treasured species and to partner with the China Wildlife Conservation Association on the continued conservation and research efforts that are the most important outcomes of this cooperation,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “We can’t wait to meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang and to welcome our Members, guests, city, and community back to the wonder and joy of giant pandas.”
Broader Conservation Impact
The new agreement underscores ongoing international collaboration. China has made substantial investments in giant panda conservation, establishing 67 reserves and creating the Giant Panda National Park in 2021 to enhance habitat connectivity.
As a result, 72% of wild giant pandas—classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN—receive strict protection.
Zoo Atlanta’s past contributions have supported habitat restoration, reserve management, and ranger programs, reflecting a shared commitment to the species’ long-term survival.
What’s Next?
Zoo Atlanta will share additional details about Ping Ping and Fu Shuang’s arrival timeline, their acclimation process, and public debut in the coming months.
Panda enthusiasts in Atlanta can look forward to welcoming these new ambassadors of conservation to the zoo.
This return marks a joyful milestone for Zoo Atlanta and the broader community, reigniting excitement around one of the world’s most beloved animals while advancing critical conservation work. Stay tuned for updates as preparations unfold!
