New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson suffered an ankle injury during Wednesday’s game against the Orlando Magic, forcing him to exit the court and raising concerns about his availability for upcoming matches. The incident occurred in the final minutes of a blowout loss, with Brunson seen leaving Madison Square Garden in a walking boot and on crutches, signaling a potentially significant setback for the team.
The injury happened with just 1:54 remaining in the fourth quarter as the Knicks trailed 124-107. Brunson drove to the basket and planted his foot awkwardly, twisting his right ankle upon impact. He was fouled on the play and managed to shoot his free throws before immediately limping off the court and retreating to the locker room, unable to continue.
Post-game, Brunson was observed departing the arena with a walking boot and crutches, underscoring the severity of the sprain. Knicks coach Mike Brown offered limited details in his press conference, confirming only that Brunson had turned his right ankle and stating that further evaluation was pending. The team provided no official injury update, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the extent of the damage.
This is not Brunson’s first encounter with ankle issues; he sustained a similar sprain late in the previous season that sidelined him for approximately a month. During that absence, the Knicks compiled a 9-6 record, with role players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges stepping up to fill the void. However, Brunson’s centrality to the team’s offensive schemes makes any prolonged absence a major concern.
The timing of the injury drew criticism, as it occurred during garbage time when the game’s outcome was no longer in doubt. Coach Brown had previously indicated he would manage minutes more conservatively, but he kept starters on the court deep into the blowout, a decision that now faces scrutiny for risking key players unnecessarily.
Before the injury, Brunson had tallied 31 points but struggled against Orlando’s physical, size-heavy defense. The Magic outmuscled the Knicks throughout the contest, dominating rebounds and second-chance opportunities while holding New York to just 42 points in the first half. This performance snapped the Knicks’ five-game winning streak and marked their first home loss of the season.
The Knicks, now 7-3, face immediate uncertainty with Brunson’s status unclear for upcoming games against the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks. His potential absence could disrupt the team’s rhythm and offensive flow, particularly as they adapt to Brown’s new system and seek to maintain their strong start in the Eastern Conference.
Medical assessments will determine the severity of the sprain and outline a recovery timeline. The organization and its supporters await updates, hoping for a swift return to avoid derailing early-season momentum and playoff aspirations. Brunson’s health remains pivotal to the Knicks’ ambitions as they navigate a challenging schedule ahead.
