Knicks guard Jalen Brunson exits late with right ankle injury against Magic
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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson hurt his right ankle on a drive to the basket with 1:52 remaining in Wednesday night’s 124-107 loss to the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden.
Coach Mike Brown said Brunson “turned” the ankle but did not provide a timetable. Brunson did not speak to reporters; he was seen leaving the arena in a walking boot and on crutches.
At the moment of the injury, the Knicks trailed 115-99. Brunson finished with 31 points, three rebounds and six assists in 36 minutes before removing himself from the game.
According to ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill, the injury affected the same ankle Brunson sprained last season, an issue that sidelined him for 15 games. Although originally labeled a two-week absence, the guard missed additional time before returning for the playoffs.
Strong start to the season
Brunson has started all 11 games this year, averaging 28.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists while shooting 46.7% from the field, 36.9% from three and a career-best 86.3% at the line.
NBA.com tracking shows his average time of possession has dipped from 8.6 seconds per touch last season to 7.6 seconds, and his dribbles per touch have fallen from 6.04 to 4.52. Despite fewer touches, his usage rate sits at 32.1%, and he is taking nearly 21 shots per game—about 2.5 more than a year ago.
Impact on the Knicks
The defeat snapped New York’s five-game winning streak and marked its first home loss after a 7-0 start at MSG. The Knicks are 7-4, holding the league’s fourth-best net rating and trailing the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons (10-2) by 2½ games.
If Brunson cannot play, Miles McBride is a candidate to join the starting lineup, while Karl-Anthony Towns would likely become the primary offensive option.
Source: Basketball Insiders
