Jalen Brunson torched the Cleveland Cavaliers in their NBA Playoffs opener, scoring 27 points including several key buckets in the final minutes.
Isaac Okoro, the Cavs defensive star who struggled to keep Brunson in check, told reporters Monday he’s talked to the referees to complain about the New York Knicks point guard’s physical play.
“We feel like we played him well last game. Probably get him off the free-throw line, not falling for his pump-fakes and his antics,” Okoro said (via the New York Post). “It’s just being disciplined, talking to the refs, trying to let [them] know some of the antics he might do well, staying down on pump fakes, trying to use my size and my length just to try to deter shots and passes.”
This sounds like Okoro floating an excuse for not being able to stop the Knicks star. Okoro went on to explain what he means by “antics.”
“Nodding your head back, falling on the ground when not a lot of physicality is used on you, just little things to help you get fouls and get to the free-throw line,” Okoro said. “In today’s game, a lot of players do that to get to the free-throw line. As a defender, you have to adjust to that and be smart.”
Isaac Okoro says Jalen Brunson has "antics" on the court that allow him to draw fouls: "Nodding your head back, falling on the ground when not a lot of physicality is used on you"
He adds that he speaks with referees in an attempt to make them aware of Brunson's "antics" pic.twitter.com/xwXMsNGOdn
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 17, 2023
There were certainly no Brunson antics on this key play in the final minute of the Game 1 win.
Jalen Brunson with the huge bucket for the Knicks! He has 27. 🏀 pic.twitter.com/os8w2H5RSo
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 16, 2023
Knicks fans weren’t up for Okoro’s excuse.
— Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) April 17, 2023
I think Isaac Okoro should worry more about making corner 3’s than Jalen Brunson’s “antics” https://t.co/gY5k7pIvRa
— Sam 📊 (@BrunsonHOF) April 17, 2023
The Knicks and Cavaliers meet for Game 2 on Tuesday night in Cleveland, where Okoro will look to do a far better job on Brunson.