Brunson’s Response to Injury Accusation

Jalen Brunson and the Knicks opted for a calm approach, avoiding any escalation.

When given the opportunity to react to CJ McCollum’s claim that Brunson feigned an injury to prompt a technical foul, he chose silence instead.

“I don’t have any reaction,” Brunson stated following practice on Sunday. “No comment.”

This incident occurred during the second quarter of Game 1 against the Hawks, where McCollum was penalized for kicking Brunson in the abdomen while attempting a jump shot. Brunson sat on the ground for a moment in visible discomfort before rising.

McCollum suggested that Brunson had exaggerated the situation, saying, “When I shot the jumper, Jalen acted like we were at a Broadway show. He seemed to play it up until they reviewed it. It was just a normal jump shot. I think there wasn’t anything there. It’s unnecessary, and I’m looking forward to the $2,500 fine.”

After the game, Brunson reiterated that it wasn’t intentional. Coach Mike Brown mentioned he hadn’t seen McCollum’s remarks.

“During the playoffs, many will say various things,” Brown remarked. “People have the freedom to express their opinions, but I didn’t get that.”

As for OG Anunoby, he is likely to play in Monday’s second game at Madison Square Garden after briefly leaving Game 1 due to a left ankle sprain, which had also sidelined him in the penultimate regular season game. Brown noted that Anunoby practiced on Sunday.

On the other hand, Onyeka Okongwu is uncertain for the Hawks due to right knee inflammation.

Brunson’s chances of winning the NBA Clutch Player of the Year have diminished, as he was not named among the three finalists announced on Sunday.

Additionally, Anunoby was also not a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. Earlier this month, he had unusually voiced his belief that he should win, marking a rare public statement from him.