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.