Things turned physical in Game 1 of the New York Knicks‘ playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks, and fans can expect even more battles in Game 2. Hawks guard CJ McCollum took exception to Jalen Brunson’s actions during one of the second half plays that was reviewed.
Replays showed McCollum’s leg connected with Brunson in an unfortunate area. Referees reviewed the play and hit McCollum with a technical foul. McCollum expects to have his fine rescinded by the NBA and called out Brunson during his postgame media remarks.
“I shot a jumper, and Jalen thought we were at a Broadway show,” McCollum told reporters on April 18, 2026. “He acted it out until they reviewed it, and it’s a normal jump shot, nothing there, unnecessary. I look forward to getting my $2,500 back.”
Brunson’s style of play has become polarizing for NBA fans with some accusing the star of baiting players into fouls. Others credit Brunson for being crafty and taking advantage of defender’s aggressiveness.
Brunson averaged 5.7 free throws per game during the 2025-26 regular season, which ranks No. 21 among NBA players.
Jalen Brunson on Constant NBA Accusations: ‘I’m Not a Foul Baiter’
The Knicks guard has heard all the accusations and has a simple response: “don’t reach.” Back in December 2025, Brunson reacted to the accusations of foul baiting.
“I’m not a foul baiter,” Brunson remarked at the time, per Yahoo Sports. “I just play by the rules. Be discipline on defense. Don’t reach… go watch the film.”
The Hawks Need a Better Plan to Slow Down Knicks Star Jalen Brunson
Brunson looked like the best player on the court during Game 1, posting 28 points, seven assists and five rebounds while attempting eight free throws. McCollum attempted to help the Hawks keep pace with the Knicks, but Atlanta ran out of firepower in the second half.
The Hawks guard notched 26 points and three rebounds in a losing effort. McCollum believes the team needs to find a way to make things more difficult on Brunson in Game 2.
“It’s just about getting stops,” McCollum explained. “When we get stops, we’re very hard to guard. We can get on the run in transition,. We can get threes. We can get layups, dunks, the ball moves a little bit better.
“So, we do a better job defensively, we get up 112, a lot of free throws. Bronson had 19 in the first quarter, so there’s things that we can tighten up collectively. But I think it just starts with us being better defensively for longer periods of time, and that’ll help our offense, too.”
Hawks vs. Knicks: New York Is Heavy Favorites Over Atlanta in Game 2
Despite a hot start, the Hawks faded down the stretch in Game 1 as the Knicks cruised to a comfortable lead. Atlanta mounted a late comeback, but it was too little, too late in the 113-102 loss.
The Knicks are a 5.5-point favorite against the Hawks in Game 2, per DraftKings. It will be interesting to see if McCollum’s words prompt even more physicality in Game 2 in front of a star-studded crowd at Madison Square Garden.
CJ McCollum Makes Personal Accusation on Jalen Brunson Amid Knicks-Hawks