NBA fans reacts to Knicks getting bamboozled by CJ McCollum in Game 3 vs Hawks

CJ McCollum came up clutch for the Atlanta Hawks once again in Game 3 on Thursday to beat the New York Knicks. NBA fans reacted online to McCollum’s go-ahead shot to give the Hawks a 109-108 win and a 2-1 series lead against the Knicks.

With Hawks down by one point, McCollum hit a jump shot over Miles McBride with 12.5 seconds remaining. The Hawks then get a huge stop on the other end, with Jonathan Kuminga getting the game-winning steal at the buzzer.

McCollum finished with 23 points, five assists and two steals, while Jalen Johnson had a near triple-double of 24 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Kuminga was also huge off the bench for the second straight game. He had 21 points, four rebounds and one steal.

NBA fans were impressed by CJ McCollum’s game-winner against the New York Knicks. Some even started comparing him to Trae Young, who haunted the Knicks for years. McCollum might be older, but he has given the Knicks a hard time in the series.

Here are some of the comments on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“The new Trae Young in New York,” a fan wrote.

“CJ owns NY,” one fan commented.

“Knicks seeing Trae’s ghost right now,” another fan remarked.

“CJ’s definitely Knicks’ nightmare right now,” a fan claimed.

“Owned Bumson,” one fan tweeted.

“Legacy series for CJ,” another fan said.

In three games against the Knicks this postseason, CJ McCollum is averaging 27.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks. McCollum is shooting 50.8% from the field, including 39.1% from beyond the arc, and 62.5% from the free-throw line.

Jalen Johnson also played his best game of the series, so the Knicks are in for a real challenge in Game 4. They have to be at their best to avoid being down 3-1 heading back home to Madison Square Garden for Game 5.

CJ McCollum comments on his game-winner

At 34 years old, CJ McCollum has had his fair share of playoff success and failures. McCollum spent the majority of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers before getting traded to teams like the New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards.

The Atlanta Hawks acquired him in January as part of the Trae Young trade with the Wizards. McCollum’s experience has been valuable for the Hawks, with the veteran telling reporters after the game that he’s just trying to enjoy everything.

“I’m comfortable with failure,” McCollum said, according to ESPN. “I’m comfortable with success. I’ve played a long time. I really cherish the game.”

Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday at the State Farm Arena. The Hawks will try to get a commanding 3-1 series lead against the Knicks.