Knicks Reportedly Optimistic Jalen Brunson Suffered Sprained Ankle And Not Something Worse

Knicks star Jalen Brunson suffered a concerning injury Thursday night when he badly rolled his right ankle after landing on Austin Reaves‘ foot with 1:24 remaining in overtime during a road loss to the Lakers.

Brunson, despite the injury, managed to stay in the game to shoot (and make) two free throws after being fouled on the drive. However, he exited immediately afterward, limping off the court slowly and carefully.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that there is optimism that Brunson sustained a sprained ankle and not something more serious. However, the severity of ankle sprains can vary significantly, with mild sprains potentially sidelining a player for just a game or two, while more severe sprains could result in extended absences.

For context, New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram has been out for over four months with a “significant” sprain, and there is still no timetable for his return.

Brunson recorded 39 points and 10 assists in the loss.

According to Steve Popper of Newsday, former teammate Luka Doncic reached out to check on Brunson after the game. While Doncic relayed that Brunson told him he would be OK, New York coach Tom Thibodeau noted that the Knicks’ point guard was still undergoing evaluation.

Post All-Star break Cavs have been something special to watch!

"That break does switch teams around, we've seen it in Cleveland before"

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“He’s being examined,” Thibodeau told reporters. “I haven’t spoken with him. He was back with the medical people. … His mental toughness is through the roof. It doesn’t surprise me (that he stayed in to shoot free throws). The way he played the whole game, they were loaded up on him the whole game.”