Hawks beat the Knicks by the minimum and take a 2-1 lead in the series

United States – The Atlanta Hawks achieved an agonizing 109-108 victory over the New York Knicks, going up 2-1 in their first-round NBA playoffs series.

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The match, played in Atlanta, was decided in the final seconds with a solid defensive action by the home team. With 12 seconds on the clock, the Knicks failed to convert their last possession: Jalen Brunson missed a pass under pressure to Josh Hart, whose final attempt was intercepted by Jonathan Kuminga. Previously, CJ McCollum, with 23 points, had made the mid-range shot that ended up being decisive in giving Atlanta the lead back at the end of the game. The Hawks dominated much of the game, although the Knicks reacted in the final minutes with a flurry of three-pointers that put the score in suspense. For New York, OG Anunoby stood out, scoring 29 points and 9 rebounds, and Brunson, who contributed 26 units. Furthermore, Karl-Anthony Towns had a solid performance with 21 points and 17 rebounds, contributing to the Knicks taking a three-point lead with just over a minute left. However, they couldn’t hold on to it. By Atlanta, collective work was key. Jalen Johnson and Kuminga brought energy on both sides of the court, consolidating a decisive defensive performance in the final moments. The fourth game of the series will be played this Saturday, again in Atlanta, where the Hawks will seek to extend their lead and get closer to qualification.