Knicks breathe sigh of relief after scary Jalen Brunson injury moment

NBA

By Stefan Bondy

CLEVELAND — A daunting Jalen Brunson damage was recognized Sunday as a “contused” knee following unfavourable X-rays, a comforting analysis contemplating the sight of the workforce’s star being helped off the court without the use of his left leg.

Brunson, the purpose guard who held the Knicks collectively all season, rose for a jumper and seemed to be in ache as he lifted off, touchdown with shock and discomfort on his face earlier than throwing up an airball simply 47 seconds right into a 107-98 victory over the Cavs.

“Anytime somebody goes down like that you’ve concern, however then he felt somewhat higher, he had the X-rays, he was examined by the medical doctors and in order that information is sweet,” coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned.

Requested if Brunson will endure an MRI examination, Thibodeau mentioned, “They only did X-ray, all the pieces was unfavourable.

“I assume [it’s possible that he plays Tuesday against the Hawks]. It’s a knee contusion and all the pieces was unfavourable so we’ll see the place he’s [Monday].”

Brunson knocked knees throughout an offensive possession in that opening minute, based on Thibodeau, nevertheless it’s unclear precisely how that occurred.

Though Brunson was untouched by defender Isaac Okoro whereas lifting for the jumper, an prolonged replay confirmed Brunson banged his leg on Isaiah Hartenstein as he ran across the display screen.

The ache occurred just a few seconds after that obvious collision — as if a delayed response from a charley horse — however Hartenstein mentioned he didn’t really feel it.

“I don’t suppose so,” Hartenstein mentioned. “I noticed him on the video hold operating.”

Certainly, Brunson ran across the basket following the knee knock, obtained a go, and appeared shocked by ache halfway by the jumper.

Brunson then limped to the 3-point line, held his knee/shin space and known as for a sub. A coach emerged and helped carry Brunson off the court docket, together with teammate Valuable Achiuwa.

Brunson’s left foot gave method as he was helped into the locker room.

It was one other “maintain your breath” second for Knicks followers however Brunson’s teammates didn’t appear too involved after dropping the Cavaliers in a gutsy win.

Josh Hart, certainly one of Brunson’s finest buddies on the workforce, joked within the locker room that he needed to put up a triple-double as a result of, “Jalen determined he didn’t wish to play.”

Donte DiVincenzo, Brunson’s former faculty roommate, was additionally assured the damage was not severe however famous he wasn’t aware about the analysis.

“I requested him if he was OK. And he mentioned he’ll be high quality. And that’s all the pieces to me,” DiVincenzo mentioned. “Like I mentioned the final time he went down [with a sprained ankle earlier in the season], I don’t fear about Jalen. He’s one of many hardest guys within the league. So no matter it’s, I actually can say, I don’t know. No matter it’s, he’s going to bounce again. He’s robust as nails.”

A Brunson absence, if for greater than only a couple video games, can be robust to face up to for the Knicks, who’re already down Julius Randle and OG Anunoby due to accidents.

Brunson is the workforce’s main scorer and placing collectively a season worthy of All-NBA consideration, coming into Sunday night time averaging 27.7 factors and 6.7 assists.

The 27-year-old Brunson has performed in 57 of a potential 60 video games this season regardless of two sprained ankles earlier within the season.

Miles McBride subbed out Brunson and by no means went again to the bench, logging 47 minutes with 16 factors.

The Knicks are within the means of signing pending free agent Shake Milton, some extent guard who was just lately waived by the Pistons.

He’s an insurance coverage coverage however the message out of the locker room was the Knicks don’t have to put a declare in for Brunson.

“I don’t suppose it’s too severe,” Hart mentioned.