Jalen Brunson, Knicks Stun Fans with 4th-Quarter Collapse in Game 2 Loss to CJ McCollum, Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks led for just three percent of the game — but made it count, escaping with a 107-106 Game 2 win over the New York Knicks on Monday.

The road victory stunned fans as CJ McCollum poured in 32 points to outduel Jalen Brunson and the Knicks while evening the series at 1-1.

The late-game collapse from the New York Knicks came despite all five starters reaching double figures, along with a lift from Mitchell Robinson off the bench. Brunson led the way with 29 points.

For Atlanta, McCollum carried a heavy load with his 32 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and two steals to guide the Hawks to the win, while Jalen Johnson chipped in 17 and Onyeka Okongwu finished with 15.

New York jumped out early, taking a nine-point lead after the first quarter and carrying a 61-54 advantage into halftime behind Brunson's five early points.

The Knicks extended the margin to 12 entering the fourth, but Atlanta stormed back, trimming the deficit to one with just under 3:30 remaining before taking the lead.

Brunson and McCollum traded clutch buckets down the stretch, but Mikal Bridges' 12-foot look at the buzzer came up short, sealing the one-point loss.

The winner of the Knicks-Hawks series will advance to face the victor of the No. 2 Boston Celtics-No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers matchup in the Eastern Conference semifinals, with Boston holding a 1-0 edge.

Game 3 between Atlanta and New York is set for Thursday as the series shifts to Atlanta.