Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Takes Brutal Groin Shot During Playoff Game

The New York Knicks are in a dogfight with the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their NBA playoff opener. But soon after superstar Jalen Brunson took over the game, he took one in the crown jewels.

Early in the third quarter, Brunson was guarding CJ McCollum near the rim. McCollum pulled back for a jumpshot but Brunson didn't jump with him.

McCollum stuck his right leg out and made contact with Brunson's groin, sending the All-Star guard to the ground in agony. The Hawks star was given a technical foul after a review of the play.

Painful or Performative?

As unbearable as it may be to take a shot to the groin of any strength, NBA fans were not at all convinced that Brunson was actually hurt on the play and started accusing him of flopping. Fans also pointed out that it couldn't have been an intentional kick since it was a fadeaway jumper.

"Complete (expletive). No one intentionally kicks on a shot. It was a fade away..." one user remarked.

"Getting kicked in the (expletive) is the most bipartisan pain in sports. Refs miss it, fans replay it, and every guy watching winces in perfect unity," another wrote.

"Jalen Brunson just got kicked in a tough spot by CJ McCollum. Wasn't ruled a foul at all. Once referees saw him down, they reviewed for a hostile act," wrote a third.

"And the Oscar goes to Jalen Brunson. That technical was one of the weakest calls you will ever see. I usually like him but na, he is a total (expletive) for that."

Brunson had a monster first half, recording 19 points in the first quarter alone. The Knicks took a 57-55 halftime lead and opened up their lead a bit at the start of the third quarter.

It's not much of a stretch to say that the Knicks can only go as far as Brunson can take them.

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This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 5:05 PM.