CJ McCollum fires back at Jalen Brunson's playoff antics, calling the technical foul call a Broadway show and demanding his fine refund after Game One.
Game 1 is in the books between the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Knicks took game one by defeating Atlanta 113-102.
A big moment in the game happened right after the third quarter started, where Hawks' CJ McCollum went to take a jump shot, and appeared to make contact with Knicks' star Jalen Brunson when he kicked his leg up for the shot, and Brunson was struck by McCollum's foot. The play was reviewed, and it was deemed a technical foul on McCollum.
Following the game, McCollum had the chance to explain the situation, and did not hold back in his messaging about the incident:
“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"
The "I look forward to getting my $2,500 back" is a reference that CJ McCollum will likely appeal the fine that he is receiving for committing the technical.
It was a big moment in the game, and might have ignited some big runs for the Knicks, who had a nearly 20-point lead with six minutes left in the game.
As for McCollum, he was a real bright spot in the game for the Hawks. He led Atlanta with 26 points in the game, and knocked home four 3-pointers in the process on 11-20 shooting.
The Hawks will certainly have to clean some things up in game two, but all in all, considering Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels didn't shoot the ball well, Atlanta is still in solid shape to make this an entertaining series. You never want to drop game one, but the Knicks had a slight advantage being at home, playing behind a reall amped up crowd, and New York shot nearly 15 more free throws in the series opener.
