The Atlanta Hawks stole Game 2 in New York, 107-106, with CJ McCollum putting up 32 points to lead the charge offensively. However, it wasn't just the scoring that McCollum brought to Atlanta, but an edge that helped Atlanta overcome a 14-point deficit and refuse to let go of the rope. McCollum goaded the New York crowd as they serenaded the guard with a chant previously reserved for former Hawks guard Trae Young.
McCollum earned this by getting into it with Jose Alvarado in Game 2 after previously taking a shot at Jalen Brunson following Game 1. It was clear that the guard was attempting to embrace the role of heel and pick up where Trae left off in Atlanta's magical 2021 postseason run.
What remained to be seen was whether the guard could deliver in the clutch against a hostile crowd. That question was answered with two minutes left and the Hawks trailing by one, McCollum got the switch onto Brunson and drove for the go-ahead layup. History would repeat itself seconds later, giving the Hawks a three-point lead that Brunson would wipe away on New York's next possession.
This set up an iconic moment for McCollum, who drove to his left and took a contested mid-range jumper to once again give Atlanta a lead they would cling to in the final seconds to even the series at one game apiece. For Hawks fans, it was a welcome and familiar feeling that mirrored 2021 in many ways.
Hawks Bringing Back Memories of Trae Young Bouncing Knicks in 2021 Playoff Run
The 2020-21 Hawks came out of nowhere much like this group and found themselves in a matchup against a Knicks team with far more experience. This didn't daunt the Hawks, who would win the series in five with Trae establishing himself as a villain in New York. The former Hawk embraced the role, taunting the crowd and never failing to deliver in the clutch, in the final moments.
It was by far the best moment of Young's Atlanta career, and now one that McCollum is clearly emulating and doing an impressive job. While Trae's version of antagonizing the New York crowd was a bit more volatile, both players did the most important thing: deliver in the final moments of the game when it was on the line.
With that said, this is where fans will be quick to point out that Young had more than just one great game and delivered the series for the Hawks. Whether McCollum can deliver this level of performance for three more games remains an unknown.
Still, it was a fun moment for Hawks fans, highlighting the current team and serving as a reminder of the last time Atlanta had a young team that offered this much excitement. For McCollum, it is great to see the veteran delivering, taking a bit of the pressure off Atlanta's young core, who have looked overwhelmed at times in a hostile environment.
Fans can only hope that McCollum's defining performance serves as a wake-up call for the rest of the roster and pushes Atlanta towards yet another surprise Eastern Conference playoff run.
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