The Atlanta Hawks pulled off a thrilling 107-106 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, tying the playoff series at 1-1. Despite a shaky performance, where they shot 1 for 12 from three-point range in the second half, the Hawks showcased their grit and determination.

CJ McCollum led the charge, reflecting on missed opportunities but emphasizing the team's strategic execution. He noted, "I missed four wide-open 3s," and highlighted critical possessions that kept the Knicks' defense on edge, even if the shots didn't fall.

The Hawks demonstrated strong defense, particularly against Jalen Brunson, who scored 29 points but struggled with shooting efficiency. As the game progressed, the Hawks adapted their pick-and-roll strategies, which proved effective against the Knicks. Corey Kispert remarked on the team's resilience, saying, "Nobody on our side blinked."

Looking ahead to Game 3, the Hawks aim to build on this momentum, confident that they have not yet played their best basketball. Jalen Johnson expressed optimism, stating, "We still haven't played our best basketball yet," signaling their potential for improvement.

Contrastingly, the Knicks face pressure to ensure Karl-Anthony Towns becomes more involved offensively. Josh Hart acknowledged the need for a strong response, given their previous playoff experiences. As the series shifts to Atlanta, both teams prepare for a pivotal matchup, with the Hawks hoping to capitalize on their newfound confidence.