New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 sprain of his right ankle and will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The injury occurred with 1:52 remaining in Wednesday night’s 124-107 loss to the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. Brunson drove to the basket, landed awkwardly and immediately signaled to the bench before exiting the game. He finished the night with 31 points, three rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes.
After the game, Coach Mike Brown told reporters that Brunson had “turned his ankle” but offered no further details. The 28-year-old guard was later seen leaving the arena in a walking boot while using crutches.
Brunson will not play in Friday’s matchup against the Miami Heat at MSG. The ankle is the same one he sprained last season, an injury that sidelined him for 15 games despite an initial two-week projection. Although he aggravated the ankle several times in the 2024 playoffs, it did not significantly affect his performance during the Knicks’ run to the Eastern Conference finals.
Key numbers this season
Through 11 games, Brunson is averaging 28.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists while shooting 46.7 percent from the field, 36.9 percent from three-point range and a career-best 86.3 percent at the free-throw line. His usage rate stands at 32.1 percent, and he is attempting nearly 21 shots per game.
NBA tracking data shows his average time of possession has dropped from 8.6 seconds last season to 7.6 seconds this year, and his dribbles per touch have fallen from 6.04 to 4.52, yet his production remains steady.
Team context
Wednesday’s loss ended New York’s five-game winning streak and marked the club’s first home defeat after a 7-0 start at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks close a seven-game homestand Friday against Miami before opening a five-game road trip Monday, again versus the Heat.
Source: Basketball Insiders
