Trending Now - CJ Mccollum Dismisses 'villain' Tag After Knicks' Upset Loss

WHO:

The New York Times - CJ McCollum, Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Onyeka Okongwu, Dyson Daniels, Jonathan Kuminga, Gabe Vincent, Mikal Bridges, Quin Snyder, Tony Bradley, Mitchell Robinson, Jose Alvarado, and the Atlanta Hawks.

Newsweek - CJ McCollum.

WHAT:

The New York Times - The Atlanta Hawks won Game 2 against the New York Knicks, tying the series 1-1.

The New York Times - Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker shot 23 of 60 (38.3 percent) in the first two games, including 15 of 37 (40.5 percent) inside the arc.

The New York Times - CJ McCollum had a usage rate of 35.0 percent in Game 2.

The New York Times - Onyeka Okongwu had an 82.4 percent true shooting mark through two games.

The New York Times - The Hawks have a $24 million team option on Jonathan Kuminga.

The New York Times - Mikal Bridges had a foul-drawing rate of 6.5 percent on 2-pointers, one of the league's lowest.

The New York Times - Tony Bradley played 12 minutes in Game 2 and had a plus-7 plus/minus.

WHERE:

The New York Times - Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York.

The New York Times - Atlanta, Georgia.

WHEN:

The New York Times - The Hawks' last regular-season game was on April 3rd, 2026.

The New York Times - Game 2 took place on April 22nd, 2026.

The New York Times - The last time McCollum, Alvarado, and Daniels were in the playoffs was in 2024.

WHY:

The New York Times - The Hawks focused on attacking the Knicks' worst perimeter defender, Jalen Brunson, to shift offensive emphasis to McCollum.

HOW:

The New York Times - The Hawks adjusted their strategy by not switching Brunson onto Johnson in pick-and-rolls, allowing McCollum to exploit mismatches.

(UPDATED April 22, 2026 21:24 UTC)

The Atlanta Hawks tied their playoff series against the New York Knicks at one game apiece after winning Game 2 at Madison Square Garden. CJ McCollum had a notable usage rate of 35 percent, while Onyeka Okongwu boasted an impressive true shooting percentage of 82.4 through the first two games. The Hawks strategically targeted Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' weakest perimeter defender, allowing McCollum to take advantage of favorable matchups.