All-Star guard Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks is anticipated to be absent from Friday evening’s contest against the Miami Heat due to a Grade 1 right ankle sprain, according to ESPN. The ailment is not considered serious, as he will undergo daily evaluations, offering a sense of relief for the Knicks organization.
Brunson suffered the injury during the final moments of New York’s 124-107 defeat to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. With 1:54 remaining in the fourth quarter, Brunson was driving towards the basket when he appeared to land on the foot of Orlando center Wendell Carter Jr. while attempting to plant his foot for a jump. Brunson quickly got back on his feet and proceeded to shoot both free throws, although he displayed a noticeable limp. After successfully converting one of the two free throws, Brunson deliberately fouled Jalen Suggs in order to exit the game and immediately headed to the Knicks’ locker room without stopping at the bench.
Here’s where the injury occurred:
Following the game, Knicks coach Mike Brown stated that he only knew that Brunson had twisted his right ankle during the play. The All-Star guard was observed leaving Madison Square Garden wearing a walking boot and using crutches after the loss. It is the same ankle that Brunson injured last season, which caused him to miss 15 games. However, the current situation seems to be far less severe.
Brunson’s condition provides a more favorable outlook after a disappointing loss to the Magic. Brunson remained in the game even when the outcome was largely decided, which might raise questions about his continued presence on the court. If the injury had been more significant, it would have become a more prominent point of discussion, but fortunately, the issue is somewhat mitigated by the expectation that he will not be out for an extended period.
An invigorated offensive approach
The knowledge that Brunson is not expected to be out for a prolonged period ensures the Knicks can continue to develop the momentum they have built over the last half-dozen games. Prior to the poor showing against the Magic, the Knicks were enjoying a five-game winning streak. They currently possess the second-most effective offense in the league, employing Brown’s updated system that results in the Knicks attempting the third-highest number of 3-point shots in the league. This marks a substantial shift from last year, when New York was ranked 27th in the same category, and it has contributed to the Knicks’ success thus far.
It took some time for everyone to adapt, which contributed to the 2-3 record New York began the season with. However, over the recent stretch of games, things have been operating smoothly on the offensive end. They are not only attempting more 3-pointers; the new system has also reduced the amount of time the ball is in Brunson’s possession.
In the past, the Knicks frequently utilized isolation plays for their primary guard, with considerable success. Brunson heavily controlled the ball, and while this remains the case, there has been a slight decrease observed this season.
|
2025-26 |
7.8 |
11.7% |
|
2024-25 |
8.6 |
17.3% |
|
2023-24 |
8.6 |
15.1% |
|
2022-23 |
8.5 |
13.2% |
The Knicks have been performing well with this updated system and can continue to do so knowing that Brunson will not be sidelined for very long. However, if there is one area the Knicks need to address, it is improving the output from their second unit.
The Knicks’ bench unit has been a shortcoming during what has otherwise been a strong start. The second unit is ranked 25th in scoring, and as the season progresses, they will need contributions from players such as Josh Hart and Jordan Clarkson.
Hart’s production has decreased this season. While he has never been a prolific 3-point shooter, his efficiency inside the arc has declined. After averaging 13.6 points last season, he is currently averaging just 8.4 points with a 44.4% shooting percentage from the field. Clarkson was acquired this summer to provide the Knicks with additional scoring from the bench, but his performance has been inconsistent thus far. He is a former Sixth Man of the Year and is certainly capable of scoring 20 points on certain nights. Both players may simply be adjusting — and Hart did enter the regular season with a minor injury — but as April and May approach, the Knicks will need those players to contribute more than they have been showing.
However, the season is not yet a month old, so these are relatively minor concerns. The good news is that the Knicks do not have to figure out how to proceed without Brunson for an extended period, and their high-level offense can continue to develop chemistry as New York aims to establish itself as a leading contender in the Eastern Conference.
