Which 25-26 Knick Guard Will Be Tasked with Guarding the 2018 Most Improved Award Winner?
The New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks have split the first two games of the NBA Playoffs, but the momentum of the series has already taken a sharp turn. After building a 14-point lead in Game Two, New York collapsed late, allowing Atlanta to steal a crucial win and even the series. What many analysts projected to be a relatively smooth first-round matchup for the Knicks has instead become one of the most competitive series in the NBA Playoffs. A major reason for that shift has been the dominant play of CJ McCollum, who has poured in 58 total points across the first two games and currently leads all scorers in the series. His offensive explosion has forced the Knicks to rethink their defensive approach, especially as the Hawks continue to play with confidence and pace.
McCollum’s impact becomes even more notable when considering his path to Atlanta. He began the season with the Washington Wizards before being dealt as part of the Trae Young trade, a move that initially drew modest expectations. The assumption was that the 34-year-old would slot in as a third scoring option behind Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, providing veteran stability rather than star-level production. Instead, he has elevated his game at the perfect time. A consistent 20-point-per-game scorer for a decade, the 2018 Most Improved Player has long been one of the most underappreciated guards in the league, and now he is proving to be the X-factor in this series. His shot creation, composure, and ability to score at all three levels have made him extremely difficult to contain, particularly for a Knicks team that has leaned heavily on offensive production from Jalen Brunson.
Defensively, the Knicks face a complicated challenge heading into Game Three. Brunson has taken on the primary responsibility of guarding McCollum, but that matchup has not worked in New York’s favor. While Brunson continues to carry the offensive load, his limitations on defense have been exposed by the 34-year-old’s quickness and experience. Head coach Mike Brown, known for making adjustments, may need to explore alternative matchups. Assigning Mikal Bridges to McCollum is a logical move, as Bridges has the length and defensive instincts to disrupt him, but that would shift Brunson onto Alexander-Walker, who is currently the odds-on favorite for the Most Improved Player of the Year Award and presents his own scoring threat. The Knicks could also look deeper into their bench, with Jose Alvarado offering energy and defensive pressure, though his limited minutes and emotional volatility are concerns. Miles McBride would typically be a strong defensive option, but his impact remains uncertain as he continues to work back from core muscle surgery. Josh Hart has also been effective, particularly in limiting Johnson in Game Two, but his versatility means pulling him away from that assignment could create another weakness.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, this series carries emotional weight, especially for Knicks fans who still remember the 2021 NBA Playoffs, when Young silenced Madison Square Garden and led the Hawks to a five-game series win. That history adds urgency to New York’s current situation, as expectations coming into the postseason included a deep run. For Atlanta, this marks their first playoff appearance in two years following a first-round exit to the Boston Celtics, and a victory in this series would represent a significant step forward for head coach Quin Snyder and a roster that has hovered between rebuilding and contending. With the series tied, Game Three becomes a defining moment. If the Knicks can identify a defensive solution for McCollum and regain control, they can still meet their preseason expectations. If not, the Hawks may continue to build momentum and push New York into a far more difficult path than anticipated.
