Fourth quarter comeback leads Hawks to Game 2 win over Knicks

The Atlanta Hawks secured a crucial 107-106 road victory over the New York Knicks in Game 2 of their playoff series, evening the series at 1-1 and stealing home-court advantage. Despite a sluggish start and a 14-point deficit in the third quarter, the Hawks mounted a stunning fourth-quarter comeback fueled by elite defensive effort—allowing just 15 points and a 68 defensive rating in the final period. Their defense tightened dramatically, particularly in the closing minutes, while their offense found rhythm inside the arc, shooting 61% on two-pointers and making 12 of 15 in the fourth quarter. CJ McCollum was the offensive catalyst with 32 points, including key late plays, while Kameron McGee (Kaminga) and Tony Bradley provided crucial defensive stops, especially against Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks missed critical free throws and had a disastrous offensive rebounding performance, contributing to the Hawks’ rally. Though the Hawks struggled from three (1-of-12 in the second half), their ball control (only 12 turnovers) and transition play (25 fast-break points) proved pivotal. The win marks a turning point in the series, shifting momentum and setting up a pivotal Game 3 in Atlanta. Brad Rowland emphasizes that while the Hawks didn’t play their best, their resilience and ability to close games under pressure highlight their playoff readiness. Jalen Johnson showed flashes of improvement defensively in the fourth quarter, and the bench—especially Comingo and Kaminga—delivered when needed. However, concerns remain about Jalen and Nikhil’s offensive inefficiency, which could be a liability moving forward. The Hawks now hold home-court advantage, and with a 7 p.m. tip-off in Game 3, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown. The episode concludes with praise for McCollum’s leadership and the team’s collective grit, underscoring that results matter most in the playoffs.