Knicks' Jalen Brunson punches Celtics' Jaylen Brown in the groin; refs call nothing

Jalen Brunson and Jaylen Brown had an uncomfortable moment during the first quarter of Wednesday night's Game 5 between the Knicks and Celtics.

As Brunson drove over halfcourt with Brown guarding him tightly, the Knicks point guard launched his left arm and fist toward Brown to try and shield the ball.

Brunson's motion, which more or less amounted to an apparently unintentional punch, caught Brown right in the groin.

It clearly didn't feel good.

The referees eventually went to the replay monitor to review this and the ensuing Luke Kornet foul that bloodied Josh Hart.

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The Brunson-Brown moment hadn't been whistled on the floor, and it wasn't upgraded on replay.

The refs, by their lack of ruling, determined it was simply a basketball play. Um, OK.

You can watch the slightly graphic video here.

Luckily for the Celtics, Brown wasn't hurt more than some initial pain.

Without Jayson Tatum (Achilles), Boston needs Brown at his best.

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