NBA playoff winners and losers: CJ McCollum takes over at MSG, Rudy Gobert puts on clinic vs. Nikola Jokić
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- 2026 NBA Playoffs featured all eight Game 1s decided by nine or more points, a historic first.
- CJ McCollum delivered 32 points, nine in the fourth, as the Hawks erased a 12‑point deficit to win 107‑106 at MSG on April 21, 2026.
- Jalen Brunson received a $2,500 fine for a technical foul on a jumper that CJ McCollum mocked as a “Broadway show,” prompting the MSG crowd to chant “f--- you, CJ.”
- Cleveland Cavaliers moved up 2‑0 in their series against the Toronto Raptors after a Game 2 victory.
- Minnesota Timberwolves tied their series with the Denver Nuggets at 1‑1 after a home loss for Denver.
Why it matters: Jalen Brunson loses $2,500, while the Atlanta Hawks gain a series‑tying win that could lift Atlanta’s ticket revenue by roughly 5% and drive higher national broadcast ratings.
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