Heartbreak in Atlanta: Knicks Survive After McCollum's Buzzer-Beater Overturned

In a finish that will be debated in Atlanta for days, the New York Knicks escaped State Farm Arena with a stunning 108-105 victory after a CJ McCollum half-court heave was wiped off the board upon review.
Jalen Brunson made two free throws with 1.2 seconds left to give New York a three-point lead. McCollum took an inbounds pass near the free-throw line and took two dribbles before launching a shot that banked in. But replays showed the ball was still in his hands as time expired.
The dramatic reversal handed the Hawks their first home loss since early February, snapping a formidable 13-game home win streak in the most brutal fashion imaginable.
Brunson was the engine for the Knicks, putting on a masterclass with 30 points and 13 assists. A 17-point fourth-quarter explosion from the point guard even prompted MVP chants to rain down from the visiting crowd, as he carried his squad to its 51st win of the season. Karl-Anthony Towns provided crucial support with 21 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
Despite the loss, Nickeil Alexander-Walker was a force for the Hawks, pouring in a game-high 36 points, with 20 coming in the first half to help Atlanta to a 57-53 lead at halftime.
The momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter as the Knicks mounted a 17-6 run in the final six minutes to take an 81-79 lead heading into the fourth. Fourteen of New York's 28 third-quarter points belonged to Towns, who re-established control of the game for the visitors.
Jalen Johnson notched his 48th double-double of the season for Atlanta with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Dyson Daniels also had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds and McCollum finished with 17 points and three 3-pointers. Veteran center Tony Bradley played his first minutes for the Hawks after being signed earlier in the day.
Atlanta was without big man Jock Landale, who sat with a right high ankle sprain sustained during the Hawks' 130-101 win against Orlando on Wednesday night.
The Hawks will look to rebound quickly as they visit the Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
The Knicks return home to face a massive test against the Celtics on Thursday night.
Game Momentum
Line above centre = home team favoured. Line below = away team favoured. Closer to centre = tighter game.


