McCollum: Hawks Tested Knicks Despite First-Round Exit

CJ McCollum, speaking after the Atlanta Hawks' season concluded in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, stated that his team pushed the New York Knicks to their absolute limits. The veteran guard expressed pride in his team's performance throughout the series, highlighting their resilience and competitive spirit.

While the ultimate outcome saw the Hawks eliminated, McCollum emphasized that the series was far from a one-sided affair. He suggested that Atlanta's aggressive play and unwavering determination made for a difficult challenge for the Knicks, forcing them to exert considerable effort to advance.

The sentiment from McCollum implies a belief that the Hawks, despite falling short, proved to be a formidable opponent and did not simply roll over. The focus remains on the competitive nature of their playoff matchup, even in the face of defeat.