CJ McCollum rips Jalen Brunson for 'Broadway' performance after kick to groin
Game 1 of the first-round NBA Playoffs series between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks was physical. Jalen Brunson had it especially bad.
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. ” More: How one defensive wrinkle makes Knicks real NBA championship contender 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 McCollum’s comments indicate that he thinks the call will be rescinded, though, given that it was assessed upon a review, he may eventually be disappointed.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.