Knicks Edge Hawks in Thrilling Finish! CJ McCollum's Buzzer-Beater Reviewed

Controversy over final shot call as Knicks hold on for 108-105 victory

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in progress, with the players' forms abstracted into angular shapes and the ball and court lines cutting across the composition in a fractured, multi-perspective style.The Knicks' thrilling comeback victory over the Hawks was a showcase of the team's resilience and the ongoing debate over the role of technology in officiating.NYC Today

The NBA world witnessed a thrilling game between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks on April 6, 2026, with the Knicks emerging victorious, 108-105. The game's outcome hinged on a controversial call, as CJ McCollum's potential game-winning shot was deemed no good after a review, sparking debate and analysis.

Why it matters

This incident underscores the importance of technology in basketball, as replays revealed the ball was still in McCollum's hands as time expired. It also highlighted the need for consistency in officiating and the balance between human judgment and technology in making critical calls.

The details

Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' star point guard, was a driving force, scoring 30 points and dishing out 13 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks. The Hawks, led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker's 36 points, fought valiantly but couldn't secure the win. The game's narrative took an intriguing turn with the controversial no-call on McCollum's shot, raising questions about the role of instant replay in basketball.

  • The game was played on April 6, 2026.
  • The Knicks outscored the Hawks 17-6 in the final six minutes of the third quarter, taking an 81-79 lead into the fourth.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' star point guard, who scored 30 points and dished out 13 assists.

Karl-Anthony Towns

A key player for the Knicks, contributing 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The Hawks' leading scorer with 36 points.

Jalen Johnson

The Hawks' power forward, who recorded a double-double.

Dyson Daniels

The Hawks' point guard, who also recorded a double-double.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Hawks will face the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Knicks will take on the Boston Celtics. These matchups will provide further insight into the teams' trajectories and their chances of playoff success.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of technology in basketball, the need for consistency in officiating, and the ability of teams to bounce back from setbacks. It also showcases the unpredictability and excitement of the NBA season, where every game can be a turning point.