After a season-defining trade that sent Trae Young to Washington, McCollum has transformed the Hawks into a resilient playoff force; Yankee Scores reports….

When the Atlanta Hawks need a huge basket, they always know where to turn.

For a long time, it was Trae Young.

McCollum Delivers in the Clutch Against the Knicks

Since their recent acquisition of CJ McCollum from the team that had Trae Young, the player has been helping the Hawks reclaim their glory through their trade to the Washington Wizards.

The 34-year-old McCollum pulled off another one. The veteran scored 109-108 by dodging a screen to receive a ball and sinking a 15-footer for the Hawks victory against the New York Knicks.

The Hawks now lead the series against the Knicks by two games to one.

DIDN’T EVEN LET THEM GET A SHOT OFF CLAMP CITYYYYYYYY 🔒🔒🔒 pic.twitter.com/A0pPXVD0L8

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) April 24, 2026

McCollum could not be happier.

Coach assessment

“I’m comfortable with failure. I’m comfortable with success,” he said. “I’ve played a long time. I really cherish the game.”

According to Quin Snyder, head coach of the Hawks, he expected McCollum to pull through with a massive clutch play after the Hawks almost lost a match that they dominated throughout the night.

After a poor start to the season and the massive trade that put an end to the Ice Trae period in Atlanta, McCollum has become a catalyst behind the latest push towards the postseason

“CJ hit a great shot,” Snyder said. “We have a ton of confidence in him being able to make those plays.”

McCollum scored 32 points in Game 2, helping the Hawks to a stunning victory at Madison Square Garden. When the series shifted to Atlanta, he got off to another strong start with 16 points by halftime.

Jalen Johnson and Jonathan Kuminga Shine in Game 3

Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 24 points, to go along with 10 rebounds and eight assists. Dyson Daniels grabbed 13 rebounds. And a big shoutout to Jonathan Kuminga, who came off the bench to score 21 points and made a steal that denied Jalen Brunson a potential game-winning shot on New York’s final possession.

“We all came together and knew we needed just one stop,” Kuminga said. “You’ve got to sacrifice out there and make a play.”