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Knicks: What happened to Jalen Brunson’s ankle in Game 1 playoffs?

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives past Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat in the second half during game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Madison Square Garden on April 30, 2023 in New York City. The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks 108-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives past Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat in the second half during game one of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Madison Square Garden on April 30, 2023 in New York City. The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks 108-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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After Julius Randle missed Game 1 with a sprained ankle, New York Knicks fans have been desperately hoping that he’d be ready to go in time for Game 2 on Tuesday. Unsurprisingly, when the injury report came out, he was listed as questionable. However, there was another player that fans weren’t expecting to see on the report — Jalen Brunson.

Brunson scored 25 points (11-of-23 from the field, 0-of-7 from three), seven assists, and five rebounds in Sunday’s 108-101 loss. He uncharacteristically recorded five turnovers and after the game, he said that he played “horrific.” Miami’s defense made sure in the second half that Brunson wouldn’t be at his best, but there wasn’t any indication that he was at risk of missing Game 2. Tom Thibodeau didn’t mention anything about Brunson on Monday, either.

New York’s point guard is listed on the injury report as questionable with right ankle soreness, which wasn’t evident but could be part of the reason why he struggled from deep. Then again, the Knicks shot 7-of-34 (20.6%) from three, so maybe it was just an off afternoon for New York. It’s worth noting that Brunson would never blame his poor shooting on an injury.

Luckily, Brunson didn’t suffer an ankle sprain as Randle did, but it’s still concerning that he popped up on the injury report.

Knicks list Jalen Brunson on injury report as questionable with sore right ankle

So, was there a moment in Game 1 that can be pinpointed for when Jalen Brunson tweaked his ankle? This is probably a testament to Brunson’s toughness, but there wasn’t one. He stayed on the floor for the entirety of the game and didn’t mention anything about his ankle in his postgame press conference.

Fans were concerned about Mitchell Robinson’s status as there were a few moments throughout the game where he was noticeably grabbing his hip as if he was in pain. He wasn’t on New York’s injury report, though, which is good because the Knicks are already without Jericho Sims.

As usual, the hope should be that Brunson will be able to take the floor for Game 2. On Tuesday morning, Josh Hart gave what can be viewed as both a good and bad update on Brunson’s status.

Based on the type of player that Brunson is, fans should already know that he’s going to do everything in his power to play. However, Hart not outright saying that Brunson appears to be good to go has caused fans to worry.

The Knicks need Brunson to be at their best and although Jimmy Butler’s status is up in the air after he rolled his ankle in Game 1, New York facing a 0-1 deficit means that Game 2 is shaping up to be the team’s most important game of the year. Going to Miami for Games 3 and 4 down 0-2 isn’t the situation that New York should want to find itself in.

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