The New York Knicks breathed a sigh of relief Thursday after All-NBA guard Jalen Brunson escaped a potentially serious injury, with imaging revealing a Grade 1 ankle sprain, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
Brunson, who left Madison Square Garden on crutches and in a walking boot after Wednesday’s loss, will be evaluated daily. He has been ruled out of Friday’s home game against the Miami Heat, the Knicks’ longtime Eastern Conference rival.
“Positive outcome for the Knicks and their All-Star point guard after further imaging was done on the ankle,” Begley reported on X. “The Knicks certainly dodged worst-case scenarios here.”
Brunson Hurt in Loss That Snapped Knicks’ Home Winning Streak
Brunson was in the midst of another strong performance—31 points and six assists—when he turned his right ankle late in the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ 124-107 loss to the Orlando Magic.
The defeat ended New York’s five-game winning streak and its perfect 7–0 start at Madison Square Garden this season.
Brunson did not address the media after the game, leaving teammates unsure about the severity of the injury until the following morning.
“I haven’t talked to him,” forward Josh Hart told reporters after the loss. “I have no idea.”
Mike Brown: No Excuses After Low-Energy Performance
The Knicks struggled on both ends in the second night of a back-to-back, but head coach Mike Brown refused to chalk up the loss to fatigue.
“We’re a no-excuse team,” Brown said. “If we’re a no-excuse team, then we’ve got to go play the right way and not lay the blame any place else except square on us.”
Brown said the Knicks’ lack of energy was evident from the opening tip.
“I just didn’t think we did a great job doing what we’re supposed to do to set the tone,” Brown continued. “It doesn’t matter if we played last night. Go win the game, play the right way, and leave it on the floor.”
Brunson’s Injury Comes at Tough Stretch in Schedule
The timing of Brunson’s sprain is particularly challenging. After hosting Miami on Friday, the Knicks begin a five-game road trip, one of their longest of the season.
The Knicks have lost their previous three games on the road.
Brunson is the Knicks’ leader in scoring (28.0 points) and assists (6.5), continuing his ascent as one of the NBA’s most efficient and productive guards. The injury occurred on the same ankle that forced him to miss 15 games last season, raising initial concerns before the imaging delivered relatively good news.
Who Steps Up? Knicks Prepare Depth Plan Without Brunson
With their franchise point guard sidelined, Brown will rely on a committee approach to fill the void.
Miles McBride is expected to see an expanded role as a primary defender and secondary initiator. Former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson will shoulder more scoring responsibility with the second unit. Landry Shamet offers additional spacing and shooting.
Second-year guard Tyler Kolek could also see rotational minutes, especially on the long road trip.
The Knicks (7–4) have built strong early-season momentum, but how they navigate Brunson’s absence—whether brief or extended—will test their depth and resilience as their toughest stretch of the schedule arrives.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Knicks Get Major Injury Update on Jalen Brunson After Scare vs. Magic appeared first on Heavy Sports.