An inadvertent kick to the groin of New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson by CJ McCollum in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round matchup has set the tone for a closely contested series. However, the 2016 NBA Most Improved Player insists he is not the villain that many Knicks fans portray him as.

The incident, along with McCollum's post-game comments, has led to him being branded a public enemy. While aware of that perception, the 10th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft views itdifferently.

CJ McCollum accused Jalen Brunson of flopping after kicking him in the groin...pic.twitter.com/Tx18EI4JUK

'I'm not the villain,' McCollum said after leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 107-106 win in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference matchup according to ESPN. 'I'm a nice guy with two kids and a wife. I think it's admiration. Great, passionate fans in a hostile environment. If anything, I think it's a sign of respect,' he added.

"I am no villain, I'm a nice guy with two kids and a wife." 😂CJ McCollum after beating the Knicks in Game 2 😅pic.twitter.com/DxvESG9iF7

Regardless of what McCollum and fans think, the two incidents have turned the Knicks-Hawks series into a more intense contest. The series is level, and the rivalry is expected to escalate from here.

Rather than be affected by the jeers and taunts of Knicks supporters, McCollum appeared to channel them into positive energy. That was on full display in Game 2, with the 6-foot-3 guard finishing with a game-high 32 points in the Hawks' victory.

Alongside the hostile, expletive-laced chants from the Madison Square Garden crowd, the veteran guard was also involved in heated exchanges in Game 2. One involved Jose Alvarado, with a verbal back-and-forth resulting in both players receiving technical fouls.

What made it more significant for McCollum was his role in the comeback. Trailing by as many as 14 points in the third quarter, he helped spark a turnaround that allowed the Hawks to level the series and avoid a 0-2 deficit.

'I've been to games in the Garden as a fan ... I've seen playoff games here. It is a pleasure to be able to play here. A pleasure to walk off the court with a win,' McCollum said.

Source: International Business Times UK