The Atlanta Hawks outlasted the New York Knicks 109-108 in a tense NBA Playoffs Game 3 at State Farm Arena, pushing the 6-seed to a 2-1 series lead. In front of 18,452 fans, CJ McCollum hit the decisive bucket with 13 seconds left, sealing a win that Atlanta had to fight to keep after leading almost the entire night.

Fast start, nervy finish

Atlanta blitzed the opening 12 minutes 33-21, hit 6 threes in the first quarter, and led by as many as 18 before halftime. The Hawks spent 40:48 in front, while the Knicks led for just 5:04, according to the game tracking.

New York roared back late behind timely shooting and free throws in the fourth (5/10 from deep, 5/5 at the line). Jalen Brunson put the Knicks up 108-105 with a three-point play inside the final 70 seconds, Jalen Johnson answered, and McCollum delivered the game-winner at 0:13. The final Knicks possession came up empty.

Johnson stuffs the sheet, McCollum closes

Jalen Johnson was everywhere: 24 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, plus two made threes and a pair of late buckets that kept Atlanta within reach. Jonathan Kuminga added 21 points on an efficient 9/14 shooting night, while Dyson Daniels pulled down a team-high 13 rebounds with 6 assists and 3 steals.

McCollum finished with 23 points and 5 rebounds, including the two most important points of the game. Onyeka Okongwu chipped in 9 points, 7 boards and 2 blocks, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit three triples for 14.