Who’s to blame for Knicks’ fourth-quarter collapse? Plenty to go around.

NEW YORK — So, who’s to blame for the fourth-quarter collapse of New York Knicks?

The Atlanta Hawks rallied from a 12-point deficit to start the period and stunned New York, 107-106, evening the first-round playoff series at one game apiece Monday, April 20. It tied for the worst blown fourth-quarter lead in Knicks playoff history. The other game was the infamous Reggie Miller “choke” game in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals.

Advertisement

Is it Mikal Bridges, whose attempted game-winning jumper bounced off front rim?

Is it OG Anunoby, who, with a chance at the line to take a one-point lead with 1:54 to play, missed both free throws?

Is it Karl-Anthony Towns, who didn’t record a single point, rebound, assist, steal or block in nearly eight fourth-quarter minutes?

Is it Jalen Brunson, who got cooked on defense down the stretch (twice) by CJ McCollum and whose shot selection in the fourth felt forced, if not potentially self-serving?

Or is it coach Mike Brown, who oversaw it all?

1 / 5

NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy

Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.

1 / 5

NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy

Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.

2 / 5

NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy

A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.

3 / 5

NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy

Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.

4 / 5

NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy

A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/whos-blame-knicks-fourth-quarter-113257282.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-04-21 11:32:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.