Jalen Brunson was displeased with the referees after game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The New York Knicks fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, losing 103-100.
The game came down to the final seconds as the Knicks had the ball with six seconds left, down three. Knicks guard Jalen Brunson got a good look from the corner, but missed.
The Knicks got the offensive rebound, and OG Anunoby had a look from the top of the arc, but he missed as well as time expired.
The Thunder held on for the victory, and the Knicks saw their three game win streak snapped against the reigning champions and best team in the Western Conference.
Jalen Brunson Comments On The Physical Play
After the game, the media noticed that Brunson had what appeared to be a black eye.
Brunson confirmed the mark, saying, "I got a little black eye. Probably a no-call."
He then ended his media session.
It was not clear when Brunson may have suffered the black eye, but he took a number of bumps and bruises throughout the game as he drew three charges and was hounded all night by Cason Wallace.
Throughout the entire game, both defenses were locked in, and the physicality was apparent. Both teams did their best to establish an identity of making the other uncomfortable through bumps, grabs, and smacks.
Brunson Defends Mike Brown
Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander picked up two early fouls, grabbing at Mikal Bridges on one play, and getting his arm across the body of OG Anunoby on another. Near the end of the first quarter, SGA was on the receiving end of a pass and ran into Brunson on the offensive end, knocking him over.
Brunson seemed to have his feet set and a legal guarding position, but there was no call on SGA, who finished the play with a layup. By rule, the no-call was the correct call -- it could have been a blocking call on Brunson -- since SGA was on the receiving end of a pass and not given space to establish position.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown was not happy with the non-call, yelling at the referees and earning himself a technical foul. SGA knocked down the free throw.
Brunson said he's seen his coach that fired up before, adding, "I'm gonna have his back every single night. He has ours. Regardless of what he does or the tech he gets, I'm gonna have his back."
The free throw battle was relatively even with OKC shooting 25 free throws to 22 for the Knicks. The Knicks were called for two more fouls during the game, 24-22.