NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
The Atlanta Hawks were about a half-second away from tying their game against the New York Knicks and forcing overtime Monday night.
The Hawks put the ball under the basket on the other side of the field. The ball got to CJ McCollum, who took two dribbles and threw up a prayer near half-court. The ball bounced off the backboard and into the basket as the buzzer sounded.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum attempts a half-court shot that would have tied the game, but it was after time expired against the New York Knicks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on April 6, 2026. (Dale Zanine/Imagn Images)
Fans at State Farm Arena went wild when it appeared McCollum had tied the game. However, officials reviewed the play and it was determined that the veteran guard took the ball out of his hands a little too late.
New York won the game 108-105.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown explained why he didn’t ask the team to foul at the end instead of risking a possible tying scenario.
“It’s tricky. If he misses it, obviously it’s a long throw. But if you foul him on the rebound, or if you foul him as he turns to throw it now, they get three free throws,” he said, via the New York Post. “It’s something we’ve talked about before — it’s always a toss-up situation. … Worst case scenario, they’ll tie it and we’ll go to overtime. Lesson learned on a few possessions down the stretch.”
Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who made two free throws to give the team a three-point lead with one second left, led the team with 30 points and 13 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns had 21 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown reacts during the second half of an NBA game against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta on April 6, 2026. (Colin Hubbard/AP)
KNICKS BROADCAST’S JOKE COMPARING BULLS’ “OBLITERATED” DEFENSE TO IRAN LEAVES PARTNER STUNNED
It was Atlanta’s first home loss since early February, ending the team’s 13-game home winning streak.
Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 36 points in the loss. Jalen Johnson added 21 points and 11 rebounds, recording his 48th double-double of the season.
New York and Atlanta could potentially meet in the postseason as they battle for seeding heading into the playoffs. The Knicks are 51-28 and currently third in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks fell to 45-34 and are currently fifth in the East.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns reacts during the first half of an NBA game against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta on April 6, 2026. (Colin Hubbard/AP)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Atlanta is just 1.5 games ahead of the Toronto Raptors for the spot.
