The New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson had to exit Wednesday night’s contest against the Orlando Magic prematurely, a game the Knicks lost 124-107, due to an injury sustained to his ankle near the game’s conclusion. With less than two minutes remaining on the clock, Brunson drove towards the basket when he was called for a foul. However, his landing was awkward, occurring directly under the basket. As Brunson attempted to navigate around Wendell Carter Jr., his right ankle underwent a significant roll, causing him noticeable pain as he rose and hobbled to the free-throw line.
Brunson stayed in the game long enough to shoot his awarded free throws, but he quickly committed another foul and proceeded directly off the court and towards the locker room. He did not return to the game.
Before his exit, Brunson accumulated 31 points and six assists for the Knicks in a game that marked their first home defeat of the season. Later, it was confirmed that Brunson sustained an ankle sprain, forcing him to miss the Knicks’ upcoming NBA Cup match against the Miami Heat on Friday. His condition will then be assessed daily.
The Magic maintained a lead for the vast majority of Wednesday night’s game, entering halftime with a substantial 20-point advantage. Franz Wagner contributed significantly with 28 points and nine rebounds, while Desmond Bane added 22 points and eight assists to their winning effort.
The Magic also experienced an early setback as their star player, Paolo Banchero, left the game due to a groin injury midway through the second quarter. Following the game, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley indicated that Banchero would undergo further evaluation upon the team’s return to Florida.
On Thursday, tests revealed that Banchero had been diagnosed with a left groin strain, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Banchero is expected to be sidelined for Friday’s home game against the Brooklyn Nets and will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis thereafter. After hosting the Nets, the Magic are scheduled to travel to Houston for a game against the Rockets on Sunday.
Before his exit, Banchero recorded 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in the game, which coincided with his 23rd birthday. He played a total of 12 minutes.
Karl-Anthony Towns posted a double-double performance with 15 points and 12 rebounds, complementing Brunson’s 31-point effort. They were the only starters for the Knicks to reach double figures in scoring. Landry Shamet contributed 11 points off the bench, and Josh Hart added 10 points.
The Knicks, who had been enjoying a five-game winning streak prior to this defeat, are set to host the Miami Heat on Friday.
