In a dramatic turn of events during the Knicks' 107-98 victory over the Cavaliers, All-Star guard Jalen Brunson had to be assisted off the court due to a left knee injury, causing concern for New York.
The incident occurred in the first minute of the game, with Brunson sustaining the injury while attempting a jump shot near the foul line. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau later revealed that Brunson's X-rays were negative, indicating a knee contusion, providing some relief to the team.
Despite the initial worry, Thibodeau shared a positive outlook, explaining that Brunson's injury resulted from a knee-to-knee collision. The 27-year-old, who has been a vital force for the Knicks with an average of 27.2 points, was visibly in pain after the incident.
Although Brunson did not return to the bench and wasn't seen after the game, Thibodeau expressed optimism, stating, "We'll see where he is tomorrow." Teammate Donte DiVincenzo acknowledged Brunson's resilience, expressing confidence in his swift recovery.
Brunson's absence adds to the challenges faced by the injury-ridden Knicks, who are currently without key starters Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and OG Anunoby. Randle, Robinson, and Anunoby, though traveling with the team, are nearing their return.
The Knicks, grappling with setbacks, will host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, with hopes that Brunson's injury is not a long-term setback in their pursuit of success.
An elite scorer and in his second season with the Knicks after signing a four-year, $104 million contract in 2022, Brunson's unfortunate injury comes as the team navigates through a period marked by key players' absences and strives for a competitive edge in the league.
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