The Atlanta Hawks are set to host Game 3 of the first round in the NBA Playoffs Thursday night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Tipoff is set for 7 pm EST. With the series tied at 1-1, Atlanta looks to take a 2-1 series lead tonight over the Knicks. 

GAME 1

Atlanta fell to New York 113-102 in Madison Square Garden this past Saturday evening. Jalen Brunson finished with 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Karl Anthony Towns finished with 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Brunson had 19 first quarter points as he came out on fire from everywhere on the floor. Atlanta did not have an answer for Brunson as he was hitting some tough shots with ease.

CJ McCollum finished with 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist while the Hawks’ young star Jalen Johnson put up 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Atlanta seemed to figure things out going into halftime as an Onyeka Okongwu buzzer beater 3 pointer dwindled the deficit down to 2 points. However, New York came out of the half strong, and the 3rd quarter is what gave the Hawks struggles. They lost the 3rd quarter 26-19. It seemed as if all the momentum they built going into the half had been neutralized. The game was still well within reach but Atlanta couldn’t come out on top when the final buzzer sounded. 

GAME 2

Atlanta stole game 2 of the series in Madison Square Garden this past Monday night by a score of 107-106. It was a nail biter as Mikal Bridges missed the game winning fadeaway after 2 missed free throws from McCollum. McCollum had a game high 32 points to go along with 3 rebounds and 6 assists. Jonathan Kuminga had 19 points with 4 rebounds and 1 assist. Kuminga provided exceptional minutes off the bench giving the Hawks multiple boosts in terms of momentum and defense. Brunson had 29 points, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists while Towns had 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. Atlanta kept the game within reach all night and went into the fourth quarter down 12 points. A new villain of the New York Knicks fanbase has made his appearance as McCollum absolutely dominated the fourth quarter. The Hawks forced 14 turnovers on defense and scored 18 points off of those turnovers. They won the fast break point battle 20-13. 

Atlanta’s bench unit gave them impactful minutes all night after Mouhamed Gueye went down with a right hip contusion after a dunk attempt over Karl Anthony Towns. He was available to return and is not listed on Atlanta’s injury report for tonight’s game. 

GAME 3

Atlanta looks to build off game 2 and lead the series 2-1 tonight. Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander Walker need to get going at home as they haven’t been their usual selves to start the series. Atlanta does enjoy a little bit of home cooking at State Farm Arena. Below are some keys to tonight's game:

• Get out in transition

• Keep the defensive pressure on New York 

• Make shots

• Play loose

• Don't let Jordan Clarkson dominate the boards

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