Quin Snyder hails Hawks’ mental toughness in gritty comeback at MSG

Quin Snyder praised the Atlanta Hawks’ mental resilience after their 107‑106 comeback win over the New York Knicks in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden. The coach highlighted his team’s ability to stay composed despite New York dictating the early rhythm and forcing Atlanta to chase throughout the second half. Entering the fourth quarter down twelve, Snyder said the issue was not intensity but the need to steadily raise their level, something the Hawks achieved by finding interior solutions and transition opportunities despite shooting just nine‑for‑thirty from deep. He noted that winning while shooting poorly can be even more rewarding, as it demands clarity and adaptation.

CJ McCollum embodied that approach with thirty‑two points and decisive baskets late, balancing scoring and playmaking. Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Johnson added key contributions, reinforcing the collective nature of the victory. Snyder also emphasised defensive activity, which disrupted New York’s flow, and praised players’ ability to read the game as the series shifts to Atlanta at 1‑1.