Knicks Star Brunson Shakes Off Groin Injury Scare in Game 1 Win

Jalen Brunson powers through after taking a hard hit from Hawks' CJ McCollum, leading Knicks to victory.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:35am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the raw energy and physicality of a confrontation between two basketball players, their faces and bodies blending together in a vibrant, chaotic display of athletic intensity.The physical clash between Knicks star Jalen Brunson and Hawks guard CJ McCollum ignites the intensity of the NBA Playoffs.NYC Today

In the opening game of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson suffered a scary groin injury scare after Hawks guard CJ McCollum's leg connected with him during a jump shot. Despite the painful incident, Brunson stayed in the game and delivered a dominant 28-point, 7-assist performance to guide the Knicks to a 113-102 win over the Hawks.

Why it matters

Brunson's ability to power through the injury and lead the Knicks to victory was a testament to his toughness and competitiveness. The incident also sparked a war of words between Brunson and McCollum, adding an extra layer of drama to the playoff series.

The details

Early in the third quarter, McCollum went up for a jump shot and his leg kicked out, striking Brunson directly in the groin area. Brunson immediately dropped to the floor in visible pain, and referees reviewed the play, ultimately assessing McCollum a technical foul. Despite the painful hit, Brunson stayed in the game and continued his stellar performance, scoring 19 points in the first quarter alone, the most by a Knicks player in a single playoff quarter.

  • The incident occurred at the start of the third quarter of Game 1.
  • Brunson finished the game with 28 points and 7 assists.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The Knicks' All-Star point guard who delivered a dominant performance despite the injury scare.

CJ McCollum

The Hawks guard whose leg kick-out during a jump shot led to the incident with Brunson.

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What they’re saying

“I shot a jumper and Jalen [Brunson] thought we were at a Broadway show. He acted it out until they reviewed it. It's a normal jump shot, nothing there. I look forward to getting my $2,500 back.”

— CJ McCollum, Hawks Guard

What’s next

Game 2 between the Knicks and Hawks is scheduled for Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, and the physical play between Brunson and McCollum will be closely watched.

The takeaway

Jalen Brunson's toughness and resilience in the face of a painful injury scare demonstrated why he is one of the NBA's elite players. The incident also added extra drama to the Knicks-Hawks playoff series, setting the stage for an intense Game 2 matchup.