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Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder emphasized resilience and late-game execution after a 107-106 comeback win over the New York Knicks in Game 2 on Monday at Madison Square Garden.
“I think that’s a great word to describe the night for us,” Snyder said. “New York was dialed in and knocked us back at the beginning of the game.”
The Hawks trailed throughout the second half and entered the fourth quarter down 12 before closing with a decisive run.
“I didn’t think we weren’t competing. We just needed to continue to raise our level,” Snyder said. “And the guys did that.”
Atlanta shot just 9-for-30 from three-point range and struggled from deep in the second half, yet found ways to generate offense inside and in transition.
“To win a game when you don’t shoot well, sometimes it’s more gratifying than the other way,” Snyder said.
CJ McCollum led the effort with 32 points, including multiple late baskets that shifted the outcome in the final minutes.
“I really liked CJ’s leadership as much as the shotmaking,” Snyder said. “His leadership was really good with the ball in his hands.”
Snyder pointed to McCollum’s ability to balance scoring and playmaking, a role that has evolved over the course of the season.
“He’s got to find a balance of communicating and talking to other guys and thinking about everybody, but still not losing his aggressiveness scoring the basketball,” Snyder said.
The Hawks also relied on contributions across the roster, including 19 points from Jonathan Kuminga off the bench and 17 from Jalen Johnson.
“It was a team win. You say that but it’s what it was,” Snyder said. “We got some big plays from other guys.”
Snyder highlighted the impact of physical play and defensive activity, particularly in the second half as Atlanta limited New York’s rhythm.
“I think we just kept competing,” Snyder said. “If you don’t let up and you don’t give in, you have an opportunity to have more success late.”
New York scored 91 points through three quarters but struggled to maintain efficiency in the fourth under increased defensive pressure.
“And we know they’re such a good team and they’re so hard to guard offensively,” Snyder said. “You just can’t get discouraged.”
Snyder also noted the importance of role players recognizing game flow and adjusting responsibilities within possessions.
“I thought Nickeil and JJ, their recognition of how we were playing the game offensively, and their selflessness in those situations,” Snyder said.
The series is now tied 1-1 as it shifts to Atlanta for Game 3, with the Hawks carrying momentum from a comeback built on execution and composure.
“The way they fought and competed throughout the whole game and then obviously were able to make some plays late,” Snyder said.
