New York prevailed over Atlanta after CJ McCollum's last-second shot was too late.
The New York Knicks needed a great Jalen Brunson game on Monday night, and they got just that. New York escaped Atlanta with a 108-105 win after a wild finish that nearly went sideways in the final seconds.
Brunson made two free throws with 1.2 seconds left to give the Knicks a three-point cushion. CJ McCollum took the inbounds pass near the free-throw line, got off two dribbles, and launched a half-court heave that banked in. State Farm Arena erupted.
Then the review came back: the ball was still in McCollum's hands when the clock hit zero. No good and New York survives.
It was the Hawks' first home loss since early February, ending a 13-game home win streak that had made State Farm Arena one of the tougher places to win in the league down the stretch.
Apr 6, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesBrunson Took Over When It Mattered
The Knicks trailed 57-53 at halftime and needed a jolt. They got one as New York went on a 17-6 run over the final six minutes of the third quarter to flip the game, taking an 81-79 lead into the fourth. Brunson then took care of the rest, pouring in 17 points in the final period as MVP chants broke out inside State Farm Arena.
He finished with 30 points and 13 assists, doing a little bit of everything to keep New York afloat in a game they could easily have let slip away.
Karl-Anthony Towns was equally important, putting up 21 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, including 14 of the Knicks' 28 third-quarter points on his own. When those two are locked in together, New York is a genuinely difficult team to beat.
The win pushed the Knicks to 51 victories on the season, a very solid number for Mike Brown to reach in his first season as this team's head coach.
Atlanta Made Them Earn It
The Hawks didn't go quietly. Nickeil Alexander-Walker was exceptional, finishing with 36 points and doing most of his damage early, scoring 20 in the first half to help Atlanta build their halftime advantage.
Jalen Johnson added 21 points and 11 rebounds for his 48th double-double of the season. Dyson Daniels contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds. This is a Hawks team that has been one of the best squads in the Eastern Conference since February, and they played like it for most of the night.
The absence of Jock Landale with a high ankle sprain hurt Atlanta's frontcourt depth, but the Hawks still had more than enough to make this a game. The ending just didn't go their way. This is a signature win for New York leading up to the playoffs.
Up next, the Knicks host Boston on Thursday night in a game that may end up determining who gets the second seed in the East for the playoffs.