Jalen Brunson Tells NBA Ref Bulls--- After Flopping Technical Foul Against Timberwolves Knicks star Jalen Brunson was called for a flopping technical foul in a preseason game against the Timberwolves, and he was caught on the broadcast saying Bulls---. The call comes as the NBA emphasizes flopping enforcement for the 2026-27 season. New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson was caught on the broadcast saying Bulls--- after an NBA referee called him for a flopping technical foul in the first quarter of Monday night's preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Finals MVP was livid with the baseline official after the whistle, which came as the league emphasizes flopping enforcement heading into the 2026-27 season. The play unfolded in the first quarter with Brunson down in the paint posting up Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert. It was a lopsided battle in terms of height and weight. As Brunson tried to stay under the basket, Gobert clearly pushed him in the back.Referee Calls Technical Flopping Foul On BrunsonBrunson sprawled forward and almost hit the deck before regaining his balance. The play continued, with Brunson running right back into the paint and getting in front of Gobert as a three-point shot was taken by newest Timberwolves star LaMelo Ball. The shot was true, swishing through the nylon for three points, but the baseline official blew his whistle. The call was a technical foul on Brunson for flopping.Bulls---, Brunson clearly said as the broadcast caught him sharing his displeasure while he inbounded the ball to a teammate. The call matters because of the league's new emphasis on flopping. According to the NBA's official site, officials are focused on stopping the flop and those exaggerated and theatrical movements in an attempt to get a call. Basketball fans can likely rally behind the change.For years, many players have contorted their body, flailed around and insinuated hard contact to draw foul calls. For some, it has become a key part of their game to get to the charity stripe for two free shots and help their team win games in that fashion. In this case with Brunson, though, it was clear there was contact by Gobert. His arms extended and Brunson reacted with a push in his back.NBA Flopping Enforcement Raises Referee QuestionsHe stumbled and tried to catch himself from falling. The question then becomes where refs draw the line. How will it be enforced during the season when flopping is viewed as a judgment call? Because flopping is also a technical foul, a free throw is awarded to the other team, and they get possession of the ball afterward.That is quite a momentum shift, especially late in games and during playoff series. This will certainly be something to look out for as the regular season is set to tip off in a week.