Knicks star Jalen Brunson set to miss some time
New York Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson is set to miss some time after suffering a Grade 1 right ankle sprain in Wednesday’s game against the Orlando Magic.
The injury occurred with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter as he drove to the basket. He finished the game with 31 points and six assists before checking himself out of the game.
The injury is to the same ankle he sprained last season, which kept him off the court for 15 games. It was initially deemed a two-week injury, but it was later extended by several more games before the playoffs.
Given the nature of the injury and his past history, New York will likely be extremely cautious with his recovery. Brunson plays a huge part in the team’s NBA title chances.
Brunson’s absence creates a significant offensive void as he leads the Knicks with 28.0 points along with 6.5 assists while shooting 46.7 percent from the floor and 36.9 percent from beyond the arc. He has scored 30 or more points five times while notching a pair of double-doubles.
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The Knicks will lean on star center Karl-Anthony Towns to lead the charge offensively. He showcased his scoring prowess in Friday’s 140-132 win over the Miami Heat with a game-high 39 points with 11 rebounds, and six made 3-pointers.
Towns is averaging 21.8 points and 12.5 rebounds while shooting 43.9 percent from the floor and 34.8 percent from beyond the arc.
New York has been stout at home, holding an 8-1 record and winning six of its last seven games.
