Episode 267 | Hawks Win Close In Game 3!

Hox Talks - An Atlanta Hawks Podcast55mApril 24, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The Atlanta Hawks secured a hard-fought 109-108 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3, taking a commanding 2-1 lead in the series. Despite leading by as much as 18 points and controlling 85% of the game, the Hawks nearly squandered their advantage in the final minutes, only to survive thanks to clutch performances from CJ McCollum and Jalen Johnson. The hosts, Jax and Logan, praised the team’s physicality, defensive intensity, and ability to play their own game—especially after struggling to match the Knicks’ pace in Game 1. They highlighted the Hawks’ dominance in the trenches, the critical role of Dyson Daniels in containing Jalen Brunson, and the emergence of Jonathan Kuminga as a vital bench spark. However, they also expressed concern over missed free throws, turnover issues, and the potential injury to Jalen Johnson, whose ankle appeared to be compromised late. While celebrating the win, both hosts emphasized that the Hawks still have room to improve—particularly in closing out games more decisively and limiting the Knicks’ 50-50 ball battles. With home-court advantage and momentum, they believe the Hawks are now in full control of the series, but warn that complacency could be dangerous as the Knicks are expected to respond with everything in Game 4. The podcast also delivered sharp critiques of officiating, calling out multiple non-calls on the final possession, and questioned the NBA’s review system for punishing teams that successfully challenge bad calls.

Key Takeaways
1

The Hawks led 85% of Game 3 and built a 18-point lead before nearly blowing it in the final minutes.

2

CJ McCollum delivered the game-winning bucket with 12 seconds left, proving his value as a clutch performer.

3

Jalen Johnson had a career-best game (24 points, 10 rebounds) and showed signs of returning to his regular-season form.

4

Dyson Daniels locked down Jalen Brunson all series, holding him to 30-for-71 shooting and 4 assists in 40 minutes.

5

The Hawks’ defense was elite in transition and scramble situations, forcing the Knicks into tough shots and turnovers.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Hawks Win Game 3, Take 2-1 Series Lead

The Hawks are up 2-1. We're guaranteed at least a six-game series. We're guaranteed at least two more home playoff games, so there you go, Tony Ressler. Enjoy your extra revenue from your hot dog sales and whatnot.

Highlight
2:00
3 min

Hawks Controlled Game Until Late Collapse

The hosts break down how the Hawks dominated for 85% of the game, leading by 18 points, but allowed the Knicks to claw back in the final minutes due to turnovers and poor free-throw shooting.

5:00
4 min

Clutch Performances & Defensive Dominance

Dyson Daniels has absolutely locked him up. Like, you can tell why the Knicks are playing away from that matchup because anytime Dyson has his eyes on Jalen Brunson and they're one-on-one, I mean, Dyson is killing him in that matchup on defense.

Highlight
9:00
5 min

Concerns Over Officiating and Review System

If you lose one, yeah, you should lose your review. But they won both of them and they get punished for having to correct the ref's mistakes by they don't have a review for the rest of the game. So I just think that's ridiculous.

Highlight
14:00
5 min

Jalen Johnson’s Injury & Role in the Series

He was our highest scorer tonight. We can't lose him. Yeah, and look, we can afford to play Kuminga like 35 minutes a night if Jalen missed a game or two. We can do that. We can't really afford to play Mo Gay 25 minutes a night.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
Dyson Daniels has absolutely locked him up. Like, you can tell why the Knicks are playing away from that matchup because anytime Dyson has his eyes on Jalen Brunson and they're one -on -one, I mean, Dyson is killing him in that matchup
Logan26:16
Viral: 85.0
If you lose one, yeah, you should lose your review. But they won both of them and they get punished for having to correct the ref's mistakes by they don't have a review for the rest of the game. So the Hawks used both of
Jax4:56
Viral: 82.0
Quinn's been having his way out there. He's been phenomenal. If anyone had any questions about if he should be the coach next season and likely beyond for at least a year or two... I mean, he should be extended.
Logan15:46
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Hosts

JaxLogan
Topics Discussed
atlanta hawks playoff series95%hawks defensive intensity92%dyson daniels defense90%quinn snyder coaching89%jalen brunson performance88%jalen johnson injury concern87%cj mccollum clutch shooting85%nba officiating controversy80%
People & Brands

atlanta hawks

other

68xPositive

new york knicks

other

52xNeutral

jax

person

45xNeutral

logan

person

42xNeutral

jalen brunson

person

28xNegative

jalen johnson

person

25xPositive

cj mccollum

person

22xPositive

dyson daniels

person

20xPositive

jonathan kuminga

person

18xPositive

quinn snyder

person

15xPositive

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