CJ McCollum’s late fadeaway lifted the Atlanta Hawks to a 109–108 win over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their first-round series at State Farm Arena on Thursday, April 23.
Jalen Brunson summed up the closing moments bluntly, saying, “Wish I had a better answer for you. I got nothing right now.”
The Knicks guard pointed to the early deficit and Atlanta’s control for most of the night. “Being down early. Them playing with the lead for most of the game,” Brunson said.
He also noted New York’s response late in the game. “Us cutting it to four a couple times and then in the fourth obviously taking the lead in the last minute.”
Despite the comeback, Brunson stressed execution issues. “But like the way we fought back, but it’s a lot of things that go throughout the game that myself can be better at. Missed opportunity for sure.”
Atlanta’s early shot-making set the tone, according to Brunson. “They made shots. In the first quarter they made shots,” he said, adding, “we were rotating and guys were making shots.”
He also referenced the Hawks’ efficiency in the opening stretch. “I looked up and they were shooting like 50 something from the two and then like 60 from three or something like that.”
When asked about leadership and recovery, Brunson focused on urgency. “Yeah. I think it should start right after the game,” he said. “For me sometimes I like to move on from this day and go to sleep and then wake up tomorrow as a brand new day.”
He added, “That positive energy needs to start as soon as possible for sure when you wake up tomorrow.”
On his late-game decision-making, Brunson was direct. “Not good enough,” he said when asked to evaluate it.
He then broke down the final possession in detail. “Coming up the screen. Then I went all the way to the back court to try to get some space,” Brunson explained. “Josh passes it to KAT and KAT gets it back and then he looks to come screen for me.”
He continued, “I’ve got the ball. Started the drive with Okongwu and pick up the clock. There’s about six or seven on the clock. Try to get around him. Saw a double and was looking for a corner outlet.”
Brunson concluded the sequence with accountability. “Then just kind of saw Josh cutting and knew I was behind the basket. I needed to do something to give us a chance. So ended up turning the ball over.”
Atlanta’s defensive pressure also shaped New York’s offense, with Brunson noting, “They’re closing out really hard. Got to give them credit.”
He also confirmed the intended spacing on the decisive play, saying, “I made a lot of plays going right.”
Game 4 now shifts back to Atlanta, with the Knicks trailing 2–1 in the series and searching for a response after another narrow finish.
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