Knicks Edge Hawks 108-105 After Quick Review Wipes Out McCollum's Half-Court Buzzer-Beater

Jalen Brunson's late free throws seal the win for New York, ending Atlanta's 13-game home win streak.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:48am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the final seconds of a basketball game, with the players' movements and the ball's trajectory broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the tension and drama of the game's climactic moments.The final seconds of the Knicks-Hawks thriller are captured in a cubist, geometric rendering, reflecting the high stakes and dramatic conclusion of the closely contested game.Atlanta Today

In a close game between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks, CJ McCollum's half-court shot at the buzzer was ruled no good after a quick review, allowing the Knicks to hold on for a 108-105 victory. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 30 points and 13 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 36 points for the Hawks, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Knicks' late-game heroics.

Why it matters

This game had major playoff implications, as both the Knicks and Hawks are vying for positioning in the Eastern Conference standings. The Knicks' victory snapped Atlanta's 13-game home win streak and kept them in the hunt for a top seed, while the Hawks' loss was their first at home since early February.

The details

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Hawks leading 57-53 at halftime. The Knicks went on a 17-6 run in the final six minutes of the third quarter to take an 81-79 lead heading into the fourth. Brunson's 17-point fourth quarter helped the Knicks hold off the Hawks' late surge, and McCollum's potential game-tying half-court shot at the buzzer was waved off after a quick review.

  • The game was played on Monday, April 7, 2026.
  • The Hawks' 13-game home win streak was snapped with this loss.
  • The Knicks improved to 51 wins on the season with this victory.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' starting point guard, who led the team with 30 points and 13 assists.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' star center, who contributed 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The Hawks' leading scorer, who poured in 36 points, 20 of which came in the first half.

Jalen Johnson

The Hawks' power forward, who recorded his 48th double-double of the season with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

CJ McCollum

The Hawks' veteran guard, whose potential game-tying half-court shot at the buzzer was ruled no good after a quick review.

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What they’re saying

“Jalen Brunson really took over in the fourth quarter and carried us to the win. He's been so clutch for us all season long.”

— Tom Thibodeau, Knicks Head Coach

“It's tough to lose a close one like that, especially with the crowd so hyped up for CJ's shot at the end. But we'll bounce back and get ready for the Cavs on Wednesday.”

— Trae Young, Hawks Point Guard

What’s next

The Hawks will look to rebound from this tough home loss when they visit the Cavaliers on Wednesday night. The Knicks will host the Celtics on Thursday night as they continue their push for a top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The takeaway

This game showcased the intensity of the Eastern Conference playoff race, with two of the top teams battling it out in a close, high-stakes matchup. The Knicks' ability to hold off the Hawks' late surge and the controversial ending with McCollum's buzzer-beater being waved off will surely be a talking point in the days to come.