Jalen Brunson hit with flopping technical as officials start enforcing new standard

NEW YORK, Oct. 13, 2026 — Jalen Brunson’s preseason game against Minnesota had an unwanted early highlight. The Knicks star was called for a flopping technical foul in the first quarter of Monday’s 122-104 loss to the Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden.

The play

With 8:34 left in the opening quarter, just after LaMelo Ball hit a three to give Minnesota an 8-6 lead, Brunson was tangled up with Rudy Gobert near the basket as the Knicks got back on defense. Gobert appeared to push the smaller guard, and Brunson stumbled. Instead of a foul on Gobert, officials ruled that Brunson had exaggerated the contact and gave him a flopping technical, which awards the other team one free throw.

Brunson was clearly unhappy. TV cameras caught him appearing to mouth a profanity as play resumed, and the clip spread quickly online.

A stricter look at flopping

During the game broadcast, it was explained that referees are judging possible flops with a checklist built around four ideas: a delayed secondary reaction after contact, theatrical behavior, a response far bigger than the force involved, and unnatural body movement such as flailing arms or kicking legs.

Fan reaction split. Some backed tougher enforcement as a way to clean up the game, while others argued the size gap between the 7-foot-1 Gobert and Brunson made the contact real. Brunson, who was named Finals MVP during the Knicks’ 2026 title run, has long faced criticism from opponents and fans over how he sells contact.

The rest of his night

The call did not slow him much. Brunson led New York with 20 points on 6-of-13 shooting, made 7 of 8 free throws, and added five rebounds and three assists. It was not enough, as Minnesota hit 18 of 34 threes and pulled away.

The loss dropped the Knicks to 0-3 in the preseason, while the Timberwolves improved to 3-1. With the regular season close, the play offered an early sign that players who embellish contact could pay for it more often this year.

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