Image Source: USA Today Sports
[Saba Sports News] Madison Square Garden fell eerily quiet on Tuesday when All-Star guard Jalen Brunson was seen writhing in pain on the court, clutching his right ankle. At the time, the New York Knicks were ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies 105-95, with a little over five minutes remaining in the game.
The incident occurred as Brunson, having isolated Grizzlies defender Tosan Evbuomuan on the left wing, attempted to drive past him but accidentally twisted his right ankle severely. Brunson was subsequently helped to the locker room and did not re-enter the game.
Despite Brunson’s absence, the Knicks secured a 123-113 victory over the Grizzlies. Nonetheless, the win could come at a high cost if Brunson, who scored 27 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists in addition to 3 steals before his departure, is sidelined for a significant period.
Brunson has emerged as a pivotal figure for the Knicks this season, propelling the team to a top-4 position in the Eastern Conference standings after 51 games and generating some MVP discussions. Prior to the game against the Grizzlies, Brunson had been averaging 27.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists over 48 games, having missed only two games thus far in the season.