Hawks' Shocking Playoff Run After Blockbuster Trades

The Atlanta Hawks, after trading Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis, have surprised everyone by leading the New York Knicks 2-1 in the first round of the 2026 playoffs. CJ McCollum, who stepped in for Young, and Jonathan Kuminga, who replaced Porzingis, have been exceptional. McCollum, at 34, is excelling in scoring, ranking top-tier in efficiency for guards. In the playoffs, hes averaging 27 points per game with steals and blocks, hitting clutch shots. Kuminga, who was a bench warmer in Golden State, has become a Hawks hero, with elite defense and rebounding. The trades, which also included Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Onyeka Okongwu, have turned the Hawks into playoff contenders, proving that sometimes shaking up the roster can lead to success. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/71de69b0c70879de