Knicks' Defensive Switch on CJ McCollum Contributes to Game 3 Loss Against Hawks

Jalen Brunson initially guarded CJ McCollum, but McCollum performed strongly against him, similar to the first two games.

The Knicks assigned Josh Hart to guard McCollum in the second half, where McCollum went 2-for-5 according to league tracking stats.

16.4 seconds remaining and the Knicks leading by one, the Hawks had a side out-of-bounds play. The coach went with a small lineup without Karl-Anthony Towns or Mitchell Robinson on the floor. OG Anunoby guarded Onyeka Okongwu, Mikal Bridges guarded Nickeil-Alexander-Walker.

As a result, Hart was on the inbounds passer — Jalen Johnson — and Miles McBride was on McCollum. McBride fell behind McCollum on a curl, and McCollum made a midrange jumper for the win.

“I knew they had to go quick," McBride said Friday. "Main thing is, he’s a really good player. I’m not happy with my contest. He made the shot. I feel like if I maybe had bumped him earlier, but trying to get a feel for how the game was being called. I don’t want to put him at the free throw line in a sense like that. Maybe just be more aggressive and make it tougher.”

Josh Hart described his approach as trying to make it tough for McCollum. The Knicks have struggled to contain McCollum throughout the series, contributing to their defensive issues. With the series ongoing, the Knicks face critical decisions on defensive assignments for upcoming games.