25-26 Knicks Look to Go Up 2-1 in Game Three Against the Hawks
On Thursday night, the New York Knicks will head to Atlanta to take on the Hawks for Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. At MSG, New York took an 11-point win during Game One, but fell in Game Two 107-106 after leading pretty much the entire game. The 25-26 Knicks will now look to go up 2-1 in the series and regain the dominance they had after their Game One victory. The big question is, can the Knicks keep it together and work as a cohesive unit to prevent the Hawks from taking the series lead with Game Four also being on the home floor?
During the Knicks Game Two loss, Jalen Brunson finished with 29 points. The three-time all-star must continue to play a crucial role as the leader of this team. His scoring and playmaking were vital in keeping New York in the game during Game Two. It’s Brunson’s teammates who need to provide help and ensure they keep New York in the playoff conversation. Karl-Anthony Towns must be a second scoring option, a threat on both the offensive and defensive ends of the ball. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby must be the great defensive wings they are and lock down Atlanta’s scoring options, whether that be Jalen Johnson, CJ McCollum, Jonathan Kuminga, or Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Head coach Mike Brown needs to figure out the rotations and the game plan within the first few minutes of action. New York constantly missing three’s won’t help them win. Every basket counts. Everyone, from the role players to the starters, must do their part to gain a win on the road.
McCollum had a huge 32-point game during the Hawks’ Game Two win as he turned back the clock, looking like he was back with the Portland Trail Blazers once again. The 2018 Most Improved Player showed his veteran experience and leadership in that win. That must build confidence in the younger guys like Johnson, Kuminga, and Alexander-Walker, knowing they can chink the Knicks’ armor, even as a young, inexperienced playoff team. Now back on their home court, these Hawks look to play gritty and get the job done, whatever way they can, to put pressure on the Knicks. McCollum has an opportunity to show that Monday night’s performance isn’t a one-time thing and revive a career that has been spent with average teams over the past few seasons.
Bridges against McCollum has to be one of the biggest matchups heading into Game Three. For Bridges, he must shut down McCollum’s offense, especially early on, while the 2018 Most Improved Player needs to detour the Knicks’ iron man from showing out. Bridges only had 10 points in Game Two, so a big offensive and defensive night from McCollum could help Atlanta gain a second consecutive win. Also, Josh Hart or Anunoby on Johnson will be a key matchup. Both Hart and Anunoby need to prevent the 24-year-old from being the Hawks’ first or second scoring options. Towns and Mitchell Robinson must have a key role in dominating the glass and being rebounding machines.
The Knicks have all the tools to win on the road. They need to band together, work as a unit, and work towards this Game Three win. Atlanta showed they can defeat this New York team once, and they can very likely do it again, if things don’t go in the Knicks favor. Game Three will be a dog fight, yet New York has more playoff experience, and that should prove to be momentous as we head deeper into this first-round series.
