CJ McCollum criticized Jalen Brunson for embellishing a groin kick during a playoff game, which led to a technical foul. McCollum expressed his frustration and joked about wanting his $2,000 back.
Key points
CJ McCollum criticized Jalen Brunson for embellishing an incident
The incident involved a kick to the groin during a jumpshot
McCollum received a technical foul after the review
He joked about wanting his $2,000 fine back
The Knicks won 113-102 against the Hawks
CJ McCollumJalen BrunsonNew York KnicksAtlanta Hawks
NEW YORK — Not only did Jalen Brunson take one below the belt, he also got criticized on top of it.
Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum’s leg kicked out during a jumpshot Saturday, April 18, striking Brunson in the groin, which eventually resulted in a technical foul, upon review. McCollum believes the review happened because Brunson embellished it after the fact.
“I shot a jumper and Jalen thought we were at a Broadway show,” McCollum told reporters after the Knicks’ 113-102 victory Saturday in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. “He acted it out until they reviewed it. It's a normal jump shot, nothing there. Unnecessary and I look forward to getting my ($2,000) back.”
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.
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.
Q&A
What did CJ McCollum say about Jalen Brunson's performance?
CJ McCollum accused Jalen Brunson of acting like it was a Broadway show after being kicked in the groin, suggesting he exaggerated the incident.
What incident led to the technical foul against CJ McCollum?
CJ McCollum's leg kicked out during a jumpshot, striking Jalen Brunson in the groin, which was reviewed and resulted in a technical foul.
How much does CJ McCollum want back after the technical foul?
CJ McCollum mentioned he looks forward to getting his $2,000 back, referring to the fine he received for the technical foul.
What was the outcome of the game between the Knicks and Hawks?
The New York Knicks won the game against the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 113-102 in Game 1 of their playoff series.
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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.
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
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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.
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Technical fouls in the NBA trigger small fines. McCollum’s comments indicate that he thinks the call will be rescinded, though, given that it was assessed upon a review, he may eventually be disappointed.
The play came early in the second half, 20 seconds into the third quarter. McCollum was trying to evade Brunson, when he hopped backwards to create space for a jumper. Because he lifted his pivot foot, he was called for a travel, but as McCollum shot the ball, he kicked out his lead leg.
Brunson leapt in the air to contest the shot, but McCollum’s foot struck Brunson in the groin, sending him to the court, where he lay for several moments, writhing in apparent pain.
Brunson’s teammates appealed to officials, while Brunson took several moments to collect himself. Eventually, crew chief John Goble reviewed the play for a hostile act, and a technical foul was assessed to McCollum, leading to a free throw.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson reacts after he is kicked in the groin by Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum April 18, 2026 Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. (Elsa/Getty Images)
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson reacts after he is kicked in the groin by Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum April 18, 2026 Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Because Brunson was still recovering from the play, Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns took and made the technical free throw.
When asked after the game for his take on the play, Brunson downplayed it.
“It wasn’t purposeful so we move forward,” Brunson told reporters after the game.
Game 2 is scheduled for Monday, April 20, at Madison Square Garden.