The New York Knicks' stunning collapse in Game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks has left fans reeling and has raised questions about the team's ability to close out games. The Knicks had a golden opportunity to take a commanding 2-0 series lead, but instead, they choked away their advantage, allowing the Hawks to even the series at 1-1. This is not the first time the Knicks have struggled to close out games, and it has fans wondering if they can ever truly 'press down' on their opponents.
One thing that immediately stands out is the team's inability to maintain their lead in the fourth quarter. The Knicks had been the best fourth-quarter team in the NBA this season, but on Monday night, they fell apart. They allowed the Hawks to shoot 10-for-15 from the field in the final quarter, and their own shooting percentage plummeted. This is a stark contrast to their previous performances, where they had been nearly unstoppable when leading after three quarters.
In my opinion, the Knicks' collapse is a result of their starters' failure to execute when it mattered most. With the game on the line, the starters were still in the game, but they couldn't get the job done. OG Anunoby's careless turnover and missed free throws, along with Josh Hart's missed shot and Mikal Bridges' 0-for-3 shooting, were crucial moments that cost the Knicks the game. It's as if the starters were frozen, unable to make the necessary plays.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the Knicks' performance in the first half and the fourth quarter. In the first half, the Knicks were dominant, leading by as much as 14 points. But in the fourth quarter, they were ice cold, shooting just 32.4% from 3-point range and 63.0% from the free-throw line. This sudden change in form is a mystery and raises questions about the team's mental toughness and ability to handle pressure.
If you take a step back and think about it, the Knicks' collapse is not just a fluke. It's a pattern that has emerged throughout the playoffs. In Game 1 against the Hawks, they had a 19-point lead before an 11-0 run by the Hawks made it interesting. And in the Eastern Conference finals last year, they collapsed against the Pacers, allowing them to come back and win the series. This is a recurring theme that the Knicks have yet to overcome.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of CJ McCollum in the Hawks' victory. McCollum, who heard 'F--k you CJ' chants from the MSG crowd, scored a game-high 32 points and was a constant threat to the Knicks' defense. He was in a rhythm, and it was up to Jalen Brunson to disrupt it. Brunson gave McCollum credit for his performance, but he also acknowledged that he needed to do a better job of defending him.
What this really suggests is that the Knicks' collapse is not just about individual mistakes, but also about the team's overall approach to the game. They had a recipe for failure from the start, and it's not the first time they've unraveled late in games. This raises a deeper question: Can the Knicks ever truly learn from their mistakes and develop the mental toughness needed to close out games?
In conclusion, the Knicks' collapse in Game 2 is a disappointing and frustrating loss for fans. It's a reminder that the team still has a long way to go to become a true contender. While the Hawks might deserve some credit, the Knicks' choke job was largely self-inflicted. It's up to them to learn from this experience and figure out how to close out games when it matters most.
