New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is expected to be released until the end of March or early April while recovering from a sprain on the right ankle, According to Shams Charania d’Espn. Brunson suffered the injury during the New York 113-109 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers last Thursday evening. During overtime, while Brunson was driving in the basket and pulled a fault, he collapsed on the ground in obvious pain. The replay showed that he was walking on the ankle of the Lakers goalkeeper, Austin Reaves, bending his foot at an embarrassing angle.
Brunson managed to stay in the game to shoot his free throws, but came out immediately after and did not return. Here’s how the injury happened:
Brunson was essential in the success of the Knicks this season. Since his arrival in the team in the summer of 2022, he has been at the center of the most successful period for the Knicks this century. His absence is therefore a massive blow for a team of Knicks which is currently third in the classification of the Eastern Conference. If Brunson strikes the longer end of his recovery calendar and is absent until April 2, a total of 14 games will miss, including matches with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jalen Brunns wound: What are the short -term prospects of the Knicks without their star leader?
Jack Maloney
The Knicks have a little cushion with an advance of five games on the Bucks and the Indiana Pacers, but they will have to find other sources of score with Brunson on the shelf. In three games since his injury, New York’s attack went from 118 points for 100 possessions (fifth of the NBA) to 113 (19th). That said, the defensive note went from 114 to 107, because the Knicks went 2-1.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau spoke of the grain of Brunson despite his injured against the Lakers.
“His mental tenacity goes through the roof,” said Thibodeau. “It doesn’t surprise me as he played the whole match. He continues to fight and fight.”
The absence of Brunson leaves the Knicks without their top scorer, and a high -level ball manager, too. Thibodeau relied on cities like Karl-Anthony Towns to wear offensive load in the meantime, of which he is certainly capable, but in terms of someone who can be a creator to do everything, the Knicks have no one expected in the wings to fulfill this role.
“It’s a disappointment of an injury,” said Josh Hart after the Lakers match.
No team is based on their beginners more than the Knicks, and with Brunson, they have more than 35 minutes per night to fill.
The good news is that the injury was no more serious, but for at least the next two weeks, the Knicks will have to understand how to stay afloat without their leading man.
