The Atlanta Hawks were in action on Thursday evening for Game 3 against the New York Knicks. After a comeback win in Game 2, the series is tied at 1-1, coming back to Atlanta. There are some things that the Hawks were able expose in the last game, and the hope was that they could continue it in this game.
As for the Knicks, they were bound to make adjustments coming into this game, and many wanted to know if Mike Brown would change the way he uses his rotations.
CJ McCollum started it off for the Hawks
with this three-pointer.
The Hawks had to settle down for a minute, but they were able to gather themselves and find a flow on offense.
The Hawks continued to find that rhytm on offense, and it started with their defense.
Jonathan Kuminga was huge in the first quarter, knocking down two 3-pointers late to extend the Hawks’ double-digit lead.
Going into the second, the Hawks led 33-21.
McCollum continued to cook in the first half, giving buckets to anyone who was in front of him.
Okongwu turned defense into offense on this play, getting an open lane to the paint.
It got even crazier for Okongwu as the quarter continued, as he followed up with a huge putback dunk.
The Hawks kept getting stops which made it easier for them to set up their offense. McCollum toyed with Brunson anytime he was defending him, and he hit this cold 3-pointer.
The Hawks led by as much as 18 points in the quarter, but the Knicks were able to make a mini comeback late to get their deficit down to just eight points.
It was a welcome sign for Nickeil Alexander-Walker as he knocked down two 3-pointers to extend the Hawks’ lead back to double digits.
The Knicks continued to make their run again, and this time they got their deficit all the way to four points before the Hawks called a timeout.
Johnson put his head down and started doing what he does best, and that’s attack the basket.
Alexander-Walker kept finding his groove in the quarter, and knocked down another 3-pointer.
Daniels got in on the fun as well, knocking down a 3-pointer of his own.
The Hawks extended their lead back to double digits, and kept the pressure on down the stretch of the quarter.
Going into the fourth, the Hawks led 88-80.
Kuminga set the tone to start the quarter, putting his head down and going to work.
The Hawks stayed steady throughout the first half of the fourth, but the Knicks made their run once again.
Johnson and Kuminga connected on this play to keep the Hawks up.
Though the Hawks continued to find a way to stay in front, the Knicks kept fighting and took a 3-point lead late. Johnson was able to cut it down to just one after making a layup.
The Hawks got a stop on the other end, and with 16.4 seconds remaining, they had a chance to take the lead. Of course, McCollum comes down and does his thing, and gives the Hawks a one-point lead with 12.5 seconds remaining.
It was once again a big defensive stop to help the Hawks get the win.
Johnson finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assist, McCollum finished with 23 points, and Kuminga finished with 21 points.
The Hawks will be back in action on Saturday for Game 4.
