The excitement surrounding the Knicks' season has been dampened by injuries to key players. The unfortunate trend continued during a primetime game on Sunday, March 3.
Just seconds into a playoff rematch with Cleveland, Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson exited with an apparent knee injury. New York is already without All-Star forward Julius Randle, forward O.G. Anunoby and center Mitchell Robinson.
Brunson is enjoying a career season with the Knicks, pacing the team with career-best averages of 27.2 points and 6.6 assists through 57 games. This season, the Knicks are 35-22 when Brunson suits up and 1-3 when he is unable to play, records that illustrate his importance to the team.
What is Brunson's injury and how much time will he miss? Here is the latest on his status.
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What is Jalen Brunson's injury?
Brunson is dealing with a knee contusion, per Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau added that Brunson's X-rays came back negative.
Brunson appeared to suffer the injury on a shot attempt in the first quarter of New York's visit to Cleveland on March 3. As he gathered his steps to shoot, Brunson's knee made contact with the knee of Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro, impacting Brunson's launch and landing as he was in visible pain.
Here is the play where Brunson was injured:
Brunson was immediately pulled and did not return. He was limited to just 47 seconds of playing time in the game.
How long is Jalen Brunson out?
When asked about a timetable for return, Thibodeau said there was a possibility that Brunson could play in New York's game on Tuesday, March 5, but reiterated that Brunson's status would be dependent on his progression on Monday.
Brunson is officially listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Hawks.
The Knicks have 21 games remaining in the season and return home for a key homestand against four postseason teams. They then head west for a four-game trip.
Here is New York's upcoming schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| March 5 | vs. Hawks | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| March 8 | vs. Magic | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| March 10 | vs. 76ers | 7 p.m. | ESPN |
| March 12 | vs. 76ers | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| March 14 | at Trail Blazers | 10 p.m. | — |
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Jalen Brunson stats 2023-24
- 27.2 points per game
- 6.6 assists per game
- 3.7 rebounds per game
- 0.9 steals per game
- 2.5 turnovers per game
- 47.7 percent field goal shooting
- 40.7 percent 3-point shooting
- 84.6 percent free throw shooting
