Cleveland, Ohio – New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson was forced to exit the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers early due to a left knee injury. The Knicks’ called it “left knee soreness” and originally listed Brunson as “questionable” to return before ruling him out after halftime. The incident raised concerns for the All-Star player’s wellbeing.
The injury occurred in the opening minute of the game when Brunson attempted a jump shot and awkwardly landed, immediately clutching his knee. Despite the absence of apparent contact from the Cavaliers’ defender, Isaac Okoro, Brunson was unable to continue and had to be carried off the court.
Replacing Brunson, Miles McBride stepped up to contribute 16 points and five assists in the game. Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks with 28 points, while Josh Hart achieved a triple-double with 13 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists. Despite the challenging circumstances, the Knicks currently hold the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
The match marked a rematch of the first-round playoff series between the Cavs and Knicks from the previous year; however, several key players were sidelined due to injuries for both teams. The Cavs, now 3-4 after the All-Star break, saw Sam Merrill scoring 21 points off the bench, with Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen also contributing significantly to the team’s efforts.
Unfortunately, injuries have been plaguing the Knicks recently, with Brunson missing a game due to neck spasms earlier and Hartenstein struggling with Achilles tendinopathy. Star player Julius Randle, out since January 29 with a dislocated right shoulder, and Mitchell Robinson, out since December 11 due to ankle surgery, are both inching closer to a return to the court.
Knicks’ coach Tom Thibodeau expressed optimism about Randle’s progress, indicating that the player is nearing a return pending medical approval. With key players like Randle and Brunson facing setbacks, the Knicks are navigating through a challenging period as they strive to maintain their position in the playoff race.