Jalen Brunson, Knicks embrace playoff intensity entering Game 2 against Hawks: 'We've just got to be ready'
The New York Knicks expect the Atlanta Hawks to respond in Game 2 on Monday at MSG.
After Game 1 at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks ' first-round series with the Atlanta Hawks does not lack playoff intensity. Saturday's 113-102 New York win saw Knicks captain Jalen Brunson outduel CJ McCollum , who took issue with his technical foul after a kick to Brunson's midsection during a shot at the third quarter's 1:40 mark and the Hawks facing a 57-55 deficit. "I shot a jumper and Jalen thought we were at a Broadway show," McCollum said after Saturday's game.
"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. " Brunson told reporters after the Knicks' Sunday practice that he has "no reaction" to McCollum's postgame comments.
"I didn't see it," New York coach Mike Brown said Sunday of McCollum's postgame comments. "A lot of guys are going to say a lot of things throughout the course of the playoffs. So, whatever people want to say, that's up to them.
" Brunson's game-high 28 points edged McCollum's 26, combining with Knicks co-star Karl-Anthony Towns to lead a full team effort for third-seeded New York against sixth-seeded Atlanta. "We've just got to be ready for them," Brunson said Sunday, referencing Monday's 8 p. m.