The New York Knicks dropped Game 2 of their first-round series to the Atlanta Hawks, falling 107-106 at Madison Square Garden to even the series at 1-1.
Atlanta erased a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit behind a strong finish from CJ McCollum, who scored 32 points, including the go-ahead fade-away jumper with 33.5 seconds remaining.
McCollum’s performance extended his unexpected early-series dominance, as he has now racked up 59 points across the first two games while shooting efficiently and repeatedly attacking mismatches.
The most glaring one has been against Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson. McCollum targeted Brunson in isolation multiple times during those game-deciding plays, creating separation and scoring or setting up teammates to push the Hawks to victory.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Following the loss, head coach Mike Brown discussed the officiating in Game 2 and how contact was being called differently when it came to McCollum's and Brunson's drives to the basket.
“I’m still trying to figure out what’s a bump and what’s not a bump,” Brown said. “You see a guy like CJ, he gets a drive and if you chest him, it’s a foul. And I even asked the officials about it — Jalen’s driving and he’s getting the same bump.”
Brown built his case around the difference in outcomes despite similar physical play thrown into McCollum's and Brunson's paths.
“Now, (Brunson) is not as light or as quick as CJ, so the speed might not be the same, but when he’s going, he’s getting hit and he’s getting knocked away from the bucket,” Brown said. “So, trying to figure that out a little bit better is something I need to do.”
Ultimately, Brown lamented the fact that Brunson didn't increase his scoring opportunities by not being sent to the free-throw line.
“I thought Jalen got to his spots. I thought he could have gotten to the free-throw line a couple more times,” Brown said.
Game 3 shifts to Atlanta with the series tied and tip-off set for 7 p.m. on Thursday.
