CJ McCollum delivered a low blow to Jalen Brunson on the court at Madison Square Garden. He then delivered another one after the game.
During the second quarter of the Knicks’ 113-102 Game 1 win over the Hawks on Saturday night, McCollum was given a technical for kicking Brunson right in the midsection while taking a jump shot (he was also called for a travel on the play). Brunson stayed down on the ground in pain for a few moments.
McCollum accused Brunson of milking it.
“I shot a jumper, and Jalen thought we were at a Broadway show,” McCollum said. “He acted it out until they reviewed it. It’s a normal jump shot. Nothing there. Unnecessary, and I look forward to getting my $2,500 [fine] back.”
There was clear contact from McCollum, who kicked out a bit as he took his shot, on Brunson. And Brunson appeared to be in legitimate pain.
For his own part, Brunson didn’t make much of the play.
“It wasn’t purposeful,” Brunson said, “so we move forward.”
McCollum was actually the Hawk who most hurt the Knicks, finishing with 26 points.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
