Hawks Stun Knicks in Thrilling Game Two, Leveling Series

In a stunning turn of events, CJ McCollum scored 32 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 107-106 victory over the New York Knicks, tying their playoff series at one game apiece. The Hawks, who trailed for most of the second half, staged a remarkable comeback, with McCollum's late surge almost being undone when he missed two free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining. However, Mikal Bridges' last-gasp jumper missed the mark as time expired, securing the win for Atlanta. The Hawks were down by 12 points after three quarters but managed to chip away, with McCollum giving them their first lead of the series in the second half. He scored again to extend the lead, and although Jalen Brunson tied the game with a three-pointer, McCollum responded with another jumper to put the Hawks ahead. Jonathan Kuminga added 19 points off the bench for the Hawks, while Jalen Johnson scored 17 points, including a crucial basket with 10 seconds left. The Knicks, who are seeking to reach the second round for the fourth consecutive season, were led by Brunson's 29 points and Karl-Anthony Towns' 18 points. In another thrilling matchup, Anthony Edwards scored 30 points to help the Minnesota Timberwolves rally past the Denver Nuggets 119-114, tying their Western Conference playoff series at one game apiece. The Nuggets had won 13 straight games since March 18 but were unable to capitalize on their strong start. Edwards turned the ball over with 31 seconds left, but Christian Braun missed one of two free throws, leaving Denver trailing 115-114. Julius Randle then sank two free throws, and Donte DiVincenzo added a breakaway dunk to seal the comeback for the Timberwolves. Jamal Murray scored 30 points and Nikola Jokic had 24 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists for the Nuggets, but their All-Star duo struggled in the fourth quarter, managing only four points. The Timberwolves, who overcame a 19-point deficit, outscored the Nuggets 20-3 in second-chance points and will host game three on Thursday night. In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers took a 2-0 lead in their series against the Toronto Raptors, thanks to a 115-105 victory. Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points, including four three-pointers, while James Harden added 28 points and made significant defensive contributions with five steals. Evan Mobley had a team-high eight rebounds and scored 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting, helping the Cavaliers build a 106-90 lead in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers' win marked the fourth time in franchise history that they have had at least three players score 25 points in a playoff game.