yahoo - 4/19/2026 7:12:25 AM - GMT (+2 )
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.”
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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 McCollum’s comments indicate that he thinks the call will be rescinded, though, given that it was assessed upon a review, he may eventually be disappointed.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.
CJ McCollum is hit with a technical foul for striking Jalen Brunson in the groin. Brunson takes a long moment to recover (with replays).
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 18, 2026
He gave him the unintentional Draymond Green kick there, OUCH. pic.twitter.com/kJelSudCuk
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.
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.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: CJ McCollum rips Jalen Brunson 'Broadway' performance after groin kick
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