dailyloe.com – New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson declined to comment on criticism from Atlanta Hawks player CJ McCollum. McCollum accused Brunson of exaggerating contact during a playoff game. The incident occurred during Game 1 of their series on Saturday. Brunson provided a brief response after a Sunday practice session.
Brunson said he had no reaction to McCollum’s comments. He stated simply, ‘No comment.’ This followed McCollum receiving a technical foul during the second quarter. McCollum was called for kicking Brunson in the midsection on a jump shot.
The Hawks player also received a travel call on the same play. Brunson remained on the ground in apparent pain for a moment. He subsequently returned to his feet and continued playing. McCollum later described Brunson’s reaction as theatrical.
McCollum said Brunson acted as if they were at a Broadway show. He claimed Brunson continued the act until officials reviewed the play. McCollum insisted it was a normal jump shot with no foul. He expressed his intention to get his associated $2,500 fine back.
Following Saturday’s game, Brunson said he did not believe the contact was purposeful. Knicks coach Mike Brown addressed the situation on Sunday. Brown stated he had not seen McCollum’s specific comments about the incident. He noted many players say things throughout the playoff series.
Brown said whatever people want to say is up to them. The coach reiterated he did not see the remarks from the Hawks guard. The Knicks won Game 1 of the series by a score of 113-102. The game was played at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Knicks forward OG Anunoby is listed as probable for Game 2 on Monday. He is dealing with a left ankle sprain sustained in Game 1. Anunoby briefly exited that game after rolling the same ankle. This ankle also forced him from the penultimate regular-season game.
Coach Brown confirmed that Anunoby practiced on Sunday. For the Hawks, Onyeka Okongwu is questionable for the next game. Okongwu is managing right knee inflammation. The teams will meet again at Madison Square Garden.
In other news, Jalen Brunson will not repeat as the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year. The league did not name him one of the three finalists on Sunday. Teammate OG Anunoby was also not a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. Anunoby had previously expressed his belief he should win the award.
That expression was described as rare for the normally quiet forward. The Knicks lead the first-round playoff series one game to none. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night in New York.
