CJ McCollum Reacts to Missed Free Throws After Hawks' Game 2 Win Over Knicks
The Atlanta Hawks struggled to have the upper hand in Game 2 of their opening-round playoff series against the New York Knicks on Monday. Fortunately for the Hawks, veteran NBA guard CJ McCollum never gave up and led the team to make a 14-point comeback. Late in the game, Atlanta had a one-point lead with 5.6 seconds left.
The veteran guard had the chance to push the lead to three points, but missed two shots from the free-throw line. This gave them a chance to push the ball with the clock winding down and go for the win. The team went to Mikal Bridges, who missed the potential game-winning midrange shot.
The Hawks took a 107-106 win to stun the crowd at Madison Square Garden and tie the series to 1-1.
CJ McCollum Said He Needs to Knock Down His Free Throws
"I got to make my [expletive] free throws," McCollum said after the win.
"I got to make my fu*king free throws."
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 21, 2026
- CJ McCollum. pic.twitter.com/BksRaPNIA5
Despite the missed shots, McCollum was the major difference in the Hawks' performance in Game 2. He led all scorers with 32 points on 54.5% shooting from the field. The veteran guard also had three rebounds, six assists and two steals.
Since the start of the series, McCollum has been labeled as the new villain of New York City. After Game 2, he dismissed being the antagonist to the Knicks' championship aspirations.
"I'm no villain, man. I'm just here to compete, compete at the highest level," McCollum said.
McCollum knew that the Hawks needed to snatch a win on the road before they returned to Atlanta. After tying the series, the veteran guard looks forward to Games 3 and 4 at the State Farm Arena.
"We know it's not a series until you get one on the road, and we got one. So, now it's showtime when we get back to the crib."
"I'm not a villain. I'm just here to compete"
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 21, 2026
–– CJ McCollum (32 points and the W as Hawks even series 1-1 on Knicks 4th quarter collapse) pic.twitter.com/Y9VKLaK5Pm
When it comes to making a significant impact in the postseason, McCollum is a seasoned player. In his 13-year NBA career, the Hawks guard has been in the playoffs 11 times, eight with the Portland Trail Blazers, two with the New Orleans Pelicans and one with Atlanta.
Through that span, the guard has scored over 1,370 points. He's a significant factor on offense, having scored at least 40 points in the playoffs twice in his career. His 32 points against the Knicks tonight are the ninth time in his career that he's had at least 30 points.
The young Hawks will rely on McCollum in this postseason, especially against the more experienced Knicks.
Related: CJ McCollum Addresses Technical Foul After Jalen Brunson Incident
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 8:31 PM.