Hawks’ CJ McCollum compares Jalen Brunson foul call to ‘Broadway show’

CJ McCollum hit Jalen Brunson below the belt during and after the New York Knicks’ victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. During the second quarter of New York’s 113-101 Game 1 win, McCollum was assessed a technical foul after kicking Brunson in a sensitive area while taking a jumper.

Brunson stayed down for an extended period after the hit, leading the officials to review the play. McCollum accused Brunson of a thorough acting job.

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

CJ McCollum kicked Jalen Brunson right in the midsection

McCollum received a technical foul following the review.

Good or bad call? pic.twitter.com/YPKvb2pxsG

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 18, 2026

“I shot a jumper and Jalen thought we were at a Broadway show”

— CJ McCollum on getting T’d up for kicking Jalen Brunson in the Knickerbockers pic.twitter.com/T7X0k6yCob

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 19, 2026

McCollum’s foot made contact with Brunson on the play, although it’s unclear how much.

CJ McCollum calls out Jalen Brunson for acting job following Knicks’ win over Hawks

The Hawks guard’s comments indicate he feels the technical foul, which triggers a fine, will be rescinded.

Meanwhile, Brunson didn’t make much of the play

“It wasn’t purposeful. So we move forward,” he told reporters postgame.

McCollum finished the game with 26 points on 11-of-20 shooting from the field and 4-of-9 from three with one assist and five turnovers.

Brunson posted a game-high 28 points on 9-of-22 shooting from the field, 3-of-4 from three and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line with seven assists and two turnovers. The Knicks star scored 19 points during the first quarter.

Game 2 between New York and Atlanta is scheduled for Monday at 8 PM EST.

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