Atlanta, GA— The New York Knicks escaped with a dramatic 108–105 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night after a last-second heave was waved off following review.
With just over a second remaining, Jalen Brunson calmly knocked down two free throws to push New York ahead by three. On the ensuing inbounds play, CJ McCollum gathered the ball near midcourt, took a couple of dribbles, and launched a deep attempt that banked in as the horn sounded. The celebration was short-lived, though, as officials determined the shot came after time expired.
The loss snapped Atlanta’s 13-game home winning streak, marking its first defeat on its home floor since early February.
Brunson powered the Knicks with 30 points and 13 assists, taking over late with a dominant fourth quarter that energized the crowd at State Farm Arena. Karl-Anthony Towns added a strong all-around effort, finishing with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.
Atlanta was led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who poured in 36 points, including 20 before halftime to help the Hawks take a 57–53 lead into the break.
New York swung the momentum in the third quarter, using a 17–6 surge late in the period to edge ahead 81–79. Towns was instrumental during that stretch, scoring half of the team’s points in the quarter.
For the Hawks, Jalen Johnson recorded his 48th double-double of the season with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Dyson Daniels also contributed a double-double with 11 points and 12 boards, while McCollum finished with 17 points. Veteran big man Tony Bradley saw his first action with Atlanta after signing earlier in the day.
Atlanta was without Jock Landale, who remains sidelined with a right high ankle sprain suffered last week.
The Hawks will hit the road to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, while the Knicks return home to take on the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
