New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson suffered a left knee contusion during the opening minute of Sunday night’s game against the host Cleveland Cavaliers and did not return
After the Knicks secured a 107-98 behind Josh Hart’s triple-double (13 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists), New York coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters that X-rays were negative and Brunson would be considered day-to-day.
“We’ll see where he is tomorrow,” Thibodeau said.
Brunson took a pass from Donte DiVincenzo, but his left leg appeared to kick out awkwardly as he hoisted a shot over Isaac Okoro near the foul line 31 seconds after the opening tip. Brunson hopped for a couple steps and grabbed his lower left leg before falling beyond the 3-point line.
The Cavaliers turned the ball over while Brunson was on the ground and he got up briefly but hobbled for a couple steps before falling down again. Play was stopped and a trainer and DiVincenzo helped Brunson up before another teammate, Precious Achiuwa, and the trainer helped Brunson off the floor.
The Knicks announced he was questionable to return in the second quarter due to “left knee soreness” before downgrading him to out during the second half.
A long-term injury for Brunson — a first-time All-Star this season who is averaging a career-high 27.7 points and 6.7 assists per game — would be devastating for the undermanned Knicks. New York went 14-2 in January but was just 4-8 in February while playing without OG Anunoby (right elbow surgery), Julius Randle (right shoulder) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle surgery), all of whom are out indefinitely.
The Knicks finished Sunday in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, remaining half a game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers and one game above the sixth-place Orlando Magic as all three teams won on Sunday.
