The evening also featured a dose of drama outside the final score, as McCollum’s late heroics drew a memorable reaction from his former Portland backcourt partner, Damian Lillard. Lillard posted on social media that he was laughing out loud at McCollum’s performance as the Hawks closed the game, providing a tangible storyline to a playoff-night turnaround.
McCollum’s performance underscored his playoff-club impact, with the guard drawing heavy attention from Knicks fans in the Garden after a third-quarter exchange with Jose Alvarado and some verbal chatter aimed toward Jalen Brunson in the closing minutes. The sequence added to a palpable, hostile environment that McCollum said only amplified the moment.
After the win, McCollum downplayed any villain label, insisting he’s not a villain but a player enjoying the playoff atmosphere and the challenge of performing on the road. “I’m no villain, I’m a nice guy with two kids and a wife,” he responded, adding that the moment reflected mutual respect in a high-stakes setting. He also emphasized that navigating such environments is part of what makes playoff basketball special.
The Hawks now head to Game 3 in Atlanta, where they enter as slight favorites. The series shift provides a fresh chance for McCollum to build on his late-game impact, and for Atlanta to establish momentum as it searches for consistency against a Knicks team that has shown resilience in the early rounds.
McCollum has spent the past few years with teams outside the playoff picture, and his move to Atlanta has given him a platform to contribute in late-game situations. He referred to the role as a natural fit, pointing to the importance of finding a place where he can help the team win in high-leverage moments and in a playoff atmosphere that rewards execution and poise. The performance in New York underscored why he remains a primary option in clutch moments for the Hawks.
