Knicks' Jalen Brunson Brushes Off C.J. McCollum's 'Broadway Show' Claim

Hawks veteran McCollum accused Brunson of flopping after getting kicked in the groin, but the Knicks star took the high road.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, clashing colors that breaks down a basketball game between two teams into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes, conveying the intensity and competitiveness of the playoff matchup.The Knicks and Hawks' heated playoff battle is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the action into a dynamic, geometric display of color and movement.NYC Today

In the aftermath of the Knicks' Game 1 victory over the Hawks, Atlanta guard C.J. McCollum accused Knicks star Jalen Brunson of overreacting and 'acting it out' after getting inadvertently kicked below the belt. However, Brunson declined to engage with McCollum's comments, saying he had 'no reaction' and 'no comment' on the matter.

Why it matters

The back-and-forth between the two players adds an extra layer of drama and gamesmanship to the playoff series, which could impact the on-court dynamics and officiating as the series progresses. Brunson's decision to take the high road may help defuse tensions, while McCollum's comments could be viewed as an attempt to sway the officials.

The details

In the fourth quarter of Game 1, McCollum was assessed a technical foul for inadvertently kicking Brunson below the belt while flailing his leg on a fadeaway jump shot. Brunson immediately crashed to the ground and rolled in pain, drawing boos from the Madison Square Garden crowd. After the game, McCollum claimed Brunson was 'acting it out' and said he didn't believe his actions warranted a technical foul.

  • The incident occurred in the fourth quarter of Game 1 on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • Brunson and McCollum made their comments after the game on Sunday, April 20, 2026.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The All-Star guard for the New York Knicks, who finished Game 1 with a game-high 28 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds.

C.J. McCollum

The veteran guard for the Atlanta Hawks, who scored a team-high 26 points in Game 1 but was assessed a technical foul for the inadvertent kick on Brunson.

Mike Brown

The head coach of the New York Knicks, who said he did not see McCollum's comments and does not want his team getting caught up in off-court semantics during the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“I have no reaction. No comment.”

— Jalen Brunson, Knicks Guard

“Jalen thought we were at a Broadway show. He acted it out until they reviewed it.”

— C.J. McCollum, Hawks Guard

“I didn't see it. And 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. That's all. That's up to them.”

— Mike Brown, Knicks Head Coach

What’s next

The Knicks and Hawks will continue their first-round playoff series, with Game 2 scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2026 in New York.

The takeaway

This back-and-forth between Brunson and McCollum highlights the gamesmanship and drama that often unfolds during the NBA playoffs, as players and coaches try to gain any advantage they can both on and off the court. Brunson's decision to take the high road may help maintain focus, while McCollum's comments could be viewed as an attempt to sway the officials as the series progresses.