CJ McCollum, the Atlanta Hawks guard, recently shared insights about a controversial play involving New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson. The incident occurred during Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday.
CJ McCollum’s Joke on the Play
After the game, McCollum humorously remarked about the moment he unintentionally kicked Brunson in the groin while attempting a shot. “I shot a jumper and Jalen thought we were at a Broadway show,” he said. McCollum expressed his belief that the review of the play was unnecessary and stated he was looking forward to getting his $2,500 back.
Brunson’s Response
Brunson addressed the incident following the Knicks’ 113-102 victory. He confirmed that the kick was unintentional and conveyed his desire to move forward. The play was reviewed by officials, who opted to call a technical foul on McCollum.
Game Highlights
The third quarter saw a significant moment when McCollum’s kick resulted in Brunson being down on the floor. Following the technical foul, the Knicks held a narrow 58-55 lead. Shortly after, the Hawks managed to tie the game, but the Knicks quickly responded with a 10-2 run, regaining control.
Final Score and Player Performances
- The Knicks secured a nine-point lead by the end of the third quarter.
- New York pushed their advantage to as much as 19 points in the fourth quarter, ultimately winning the game.
- CJ McCollum finished with a team-high 26 points, shooting 11-of-20 and hitting four three-pointers. He also contributed four rebounds and an assist.
- Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 28 points, scoring 19 in the first quarter. He added seven assists and five rebounds, shooting 9-of-22 overall and 3-of-4 from three-point range.
Upcoming Game
As the playoff series progresses, Game 2 between the Knicks and Hawks is scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. ET. Both teams aim to secure a crucial win as they compete for the series lead.
