CJ McCollum scored 32 points and the Atlanta Hawks rallied to stun the New York Knicks 107-106 on Monday night, tying their first-round playoff series at one game apiece. McCollum led a late surge that was almost for naught when he missed two free throws with 5.

Atlanta C.J. McCollum heard it from a sellout crowd at Madison Square Garden after a tense exchange with Jose Alvarado – the second game in a row that the veteran guard rankled Knicks fans. McCollum then made three big baskets in the game’s final 2:08 – including a go-ahead jumper that proved to be the game-winner.

Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum discussed his kick to New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson's groin while attempting a shot during Game 1 of the first-round playoff series between the two teams on Saturday.

Now, look: McCollum is among the most impactful players in these NBA playoffs and certainly a sudden hero in Atlanta, where a pair of massive shots in the final minutes of a pair of first-round Hawks victories have the Hawks up 2-1 on the Knicks.

CJ McCollum seemingly take a dig at the Golden State Warriors while praising Jonathan Kuminga after the Hawks' Game 3 win over the Knicks.

The Hawks overhauled their roster in February, adding Jonathan Kuminga and CJ McCollum. That decision is paying off as they lead the Knicks 2-1 in the first-round series.

Jalen Brunson has been historically a Game 4 beast. Our expert NBA playoff predictions expect Brunson to come out in beast mode against the Hawks.