CLEVELAND — Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson had to be assisted off the court Sunday due to a left knee injury — a potentially devastating setback for New York — in the opening minute of a 107-98 victory over the Cavaliers.
Fortunately, it seems to have been just a scare. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau stated after the game that Brunson has a knee contusion and the X-rays came back negative.
“He collided knees,” a calm Thibodeau mentioned. “That’s what happened. He underwent X-rays and was examined by the doctor. Everything looked fine. We’ll monitor his condition tomorrow.”
Brunson, who averages 27.2 points and had been leading the Knicks through a string of significant injuries, was injured on the team’s first possession.
While attempting a jump shot near the foul line after coming off a screen, Brunson seemed to experience pain during liftoff. He missed the shot and landed awkwardly before falling to the floor close to the 3-point line.
Brunson remained seated while play continued, then stood up and limped to the sideline, where he went down in evident distress once more. The 27-year-old was assisted to his feet and taken to the locker room.
The exact moment of Brunson’s injury was not immediately clear. Though he wasn’t touched by Cleveland’s Isaac Okoro on the shot, replays indicated that Brunson collided knees with Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein earlier in the possession.
“You hate to see anyone go down like that. He’s one of the toughest guys in the league,” Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo remarked about Brunson. “I know he’ll bounce back.”
Brunson did not return to the bench and was not spotted after the game. The Knicks will face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.
An accomplished scorer, Brunson has been carrying the Knicks, who are missing starters forward Julius Randle (shoulder), center Mitchell Robinson (ankle), and guard OG Anunoby (elbow) due to injuries. All three traveled with the team and are nearing a comeback.
Brunson is currently in his second season with the Knicks, who signed him to a four-year, $104 million contract as a free agent in 2022. Brunson previously played four seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.