There were plenty of heroes for the Atlanta Hawks in their thrilling win over the New York Knicks in Game 3.
CJ McCollum hit the game-winning basket over Deuce McBride with 12.5 seconds left. Jalen Johnson had his best game of the series so far, putting up a near triple-double of 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
Jonathan Kuminga had another huge game off the bench, scoring 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting. Kuminga also made the game-winning steal on Josh Hart in the final possession of the game.
Kuminga Credits Warriors Teammate for His Defense vs. Knicks
GettyJonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks recovers a loose ball against Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks during the final seconds of the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Despite some hiccups since getting acquired by the Hawks from the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline, Kuminga has been brilliant in the series against the Knicks. His defense has been a positive for Atlanta, especially in Game 2 and 3.
Kuminga blocked Jalen Brunson late in Game 2 that helped spark their comeback 107-106 win at Madison Square Garden. He also shoved Nickeil Alexander-Walker back into a defensive position against Brunson in that same game.
Then in their 109-108 win in Game 3, Kuminga was all over the place in the final possession. He was a disruptor, out-hustling Hart and poking the ball from his hands as the buzzer sounded.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Kuminga credited Draymond Green for his brilliant defensive performance in their two wins versus New York.
“It’s just instinct,” Kuminga said, via John Hollinger of The Athletic. “I give my praise to Draymond. … I’ve seen him do that so many times, like so many times, he’s one of the best. Seeing somebody doing it all the time. … and Nickeil (was) still in good position. Like I say, I watched Draymond do it, it’s little things that don’t go on the (stat) sheet that help you.”
Kuminga and Green were teammates in Golden State for four and a half seasons.
CJ McCollum Throws Subtle Shot at Warriors After Game 3
GettyJonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after a basket against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
While Kuminga was huge on the defensive side in Game 3, McCollum was the hero on the other end. The veteran guard has tormented the Knicks just like Trae Young in 2021.
McCollum is averaging 27.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks in three games against New York in the postseason. He’s shooting 50.8% from the floor and 39.1% from 3-point range.
After Game 3, McCollum had nothing but praise for Kuminga, though he seemingly took a subtle shot at the Warriors.
“(He) has championship DNA coming from the Warriors,” McCollum said. “He understands how to play the game the right way. He was in a not so great situation, and now he’s found a happy home.”
Kuminga’s relationship with the Warriors, especially with coach Steve Kerr, wasn’t the best. But now, the young forward is in a great situation and helping the Hawks possibly upset the Knicks.
Hawks’ Jonathan Kuminga Credits Warriors Star for His Game 3 Heroics vs Knicks