Knicks fan Spike Lee catches wild stray from CJ McCollum before Game 3

CJ McCollum is the new public enemy No. 1 for the New York Knicks. The Atlanta Hawks star relentlessly heard boos inside Madison Square Garden. Spike Lee joined the NYK fans by trying to rattle him during their NBA Playoffs contest.

McCollum left Knicks fans stunned by leading Atlanta to the Game 2 road win. He blasted Knicks star Jalen Brunson after the game already. Now Lee caught a wild stray from McCollum Wednesday, as he called him and the Knicks fans out.

“It’s not hostile, it’s really not that serious. It’s just a game. I don’t play for Spike Lee’s approval, I don’t play for Knicks fans’ approval, I don’t play for anybody’s approval. I play for my family, myself, and God,” McCollum said.

"It's not hostile, it's really not that serious. It's just a game. I don't play for Spike Lee's approval, I don't play for Knicks fans' approval, I don't play for anybody's approval. I play for my family, myself, and God."

– CJ McCollum on his MSG reception pic.twitter.com/Y3MLAhPJs5

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 22, 2026

McCollum created a new sound byte that’ll in all likelihood be played inside MSG for Game 5. Or even hand bulletin board material inside the Knicks’ locker room.

But New York must create a far different game plan against him ahead of Thursday.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown took lots of heat with one coaching decision: One rotation involving Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Both stars noticeably sat for nearly 12 minutes, which sparked critics.

The next plan involves preventing McCollum from going off. He dropped 32 points through 35 minutes on the floor, including going 12-of-22 from field goal range. He especially pierced this dagger in on a fadeaway jumper.

CJ MCCOLLUM GIVES THE HAWKS THE LEAD!

JALEN JOHNSON EXTENDS IT

HAWKS WIN GAME 2 ON THE ROAD pic.twitter.com/KQfyG0FHf3

— NBA (@NBA) April 21, 2026

He’s earning to chance to embrace the villain role made famous by past Knick thorns Reggie Miller, Michael Jordan, Tyrese Haliburton and former Hawk Trae Young.

McCollum’s latest words already ignites this playoff matchup further, especially after mentioning Lee.

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