NBA playoffs: CJ McCollum, Hawks erupt in fourth quarter to stun Knicks and even series 1-1

Well, CJ McCollum and the Atlanta Hawks are headed home with an even series after all.

The Hawks, despite trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter, absolutely shut down the New York Knicks in the final period to grab a 107-106 win in Game 2 of their opening-round playoff series. That tied things up 1-1 as it shifts back to Atlanta later this week.

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The Knicks managed only 15 points in the fourth quarter, and went just 5-of-19 from the field in the last 12 minutes.

“I’m just here to compete. I compete at the highest level,” McCollum, who was traded to the Hawks in January in the blockbuster deal that moved Trae Young to the Washington Wizards, said on NBC. “We know it’s not a series until you get one on the road, and we got one. So, now it’s showtime when we get back to the crib.”

Knicks collapse in the fourth quarter

While it was never a blowout, the Knicks looked like they were in full control of the contest after three quarters.

But that’s when everything came to a screeching halt.

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The Hawks, who entered the final period down by 12, opened the fourth quarter on a 20-9 tear while shutting the Knicks down almost completely. Eventually, it was McCollum who put the Hawks back in the lead for the first time since early in the second quarter with a layup with about two minutes left on the clock.

McCollum scored six of the Hawks’ final eight points of the night, including a perfect fadeaway bucket over OG Anunoby in the short corner that just about sealed the win on its own.

Nickiel Alexander-Walker then blocked Brunson on the other end and found Johnson on a fast break to suddenly give the Hawks a two-possession lead.

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Brunson did hit a 3-pointer after that, and Mikal Bridges had a shot at a game-winner after McCollum missed two shots at the line, but Bridges was off the mark. That officially gave the Hawks the stunning one-point win.

McCollum had a game-high 32 points and six assists in the win for Atlanta. Those final two free throws were the only ones he missed in the game.

“I gotta make my free throws. I’ll get in the gym on Wednesday and make sure I tighten up,” he said on NBC. “And we’ll be ready to go in the A like we’re supposed to be.”

This post will be updated with more information shortly.