New York Knicks All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson left the game in overtime against the Los Angeles Lakers after rolling his ankle. The injury occurred as Brunson drove to the hoop in transition and landed awkwardly on Lakers guard Austin Reaves’ foot while attempting a layup. He remained down for a moment before getting up gingerly, struggling to put weight on his right foot.
Brunson stayed in to sink both free throws but exited immediately afterward. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, there’s optimism that it’s only a sprained ankle. The 28-year-old is averaging 26.1 points and 7.4 assists in 60 games this season and recently earned his second consecutive All-Star selection.
Jalen Brunson headed to the locker room after suffering a leg injury on this play
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 7, 2025
He stayed in to shoot his FT's pic.twitter.com/bw4jrE3Uhj
The Knicks fell 113-109 in overtime, dropping to 40-22 on the season. They remain third in the Eastern Conference as they continue their road trip against the Clippers, Kings, Blazers, and Warriors.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau on Jalen Brunson injury
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said after the game that Jalen Brunson was still being evaluated by the medical staff.
“His mental toughness is through the roof,” Thibodeau said, per NBA. “It doesn’t surprise me the way he played the whole game. He still keeps battling and battling.”
Brunson rolled his right ankle with 1:24 left in overtime after landing on Lakers guard Austin Reaves’ foot while being fouled on a drive to the basket. He stayed in to hit both free throws, tying the game at 107, before heading to the locker room. He finished with 39 points and 10 assists.
Brunson forced overtime with a three-point play after the Lakers erased a double-digit deficit midway through the fourth quarter.
Jalen Brunson went down with an apparent leg injury after a foul in overtime vs. the Lakers.
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 7, 2025
He made both free throws and then went to the locker room, finishing with 39 points. pic.twitter.com/jNqQQjNQMV
The timing of his injury couldn’t be worse for the Knicks, who just started a five-game West Coast trip. New York (40-22), third in the Eastern Conference, stays in Southern California to face the Clippers on Friday before matchups against the Kings, Trail Blazers, and Warriors.
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