The Knicks have dealt with notable injuries this season, from Mitchell Robinson's extended absence to OG Anunoby's foot injury that cost him most of February. On Thursday night, they saw the one player they absolutely can't afford to lose become the latest to go down.
Jalen Brunson went down in a heap after driving to the basket late in a loss to the Lakers, sparking panic among Knicks fans.
Brunson shot two free throws after the injury, making both but he had to exit the game at that point and wasn't able to return for the final 84 seconds of overtime.
Here's what you need to know about Brunson's injury and his status going forward.
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What is Jalen Brunson's injury?
Brunson appeared to significantly roll his ankle after driving to the rim during overtime on Thursday. He grabbed the back of his ankle immediately after the injury, leading to some speculation about his Achilles, but replay revealed a severe turn of his right ankle.
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
After the loss, Chris Haynes reported there is "optimism" Brunson simply suffered a sprained ankle.
There’s optimism New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson only sustained a sprained ankle, sources tell me.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 7, 2025
While no fracture or Achilles injury would be terrific news for the Knicks, a sprained ankle could still cost Brunson time. The New York Post''s Stefan Bondy reported Friday that Brunson's ankle X-rays came back negative, further clarification that he avoided a serious injury. Here's a look at his status going forward.
How long will Jalen Brunson be out?
During an appearance on NBA Countdown Saturday, March 16, Shams Charania of ESPN reported Brunson will be out through at least late March or possibly even early April as he deals with an ankle injury.
"It’s a bummer of an injury. We expect him to be out for a little bit," Brunson's teammate Josh Hart told reporters after the injury. Karl-Anthony Towns said the Knicks need to have a "next man up" mentality, echoing Hart.
Brunson still needs to play in five of New York's final 16 games to be eligible for All-NBA honors.
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Knicks schedule 2024-25
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| March 17 | vs. Heat | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| March 19 | at Spurs | 8:00 p.m. | — |
| March 20 | at Hornets | 7:00 p.m. | — |
| March 22 | vs Wizards | 7:00 p.m. | — |
| March 25 | vs. Mavericks | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| March 26 | vs. Clippers | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| March 28 | at Bucks | 8:00 p.m. | — |
| March 30 | vs. Trail Blazers | 6:00 p.m. | NBA TV |
| April 1 | vs. 76ers | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| April 2 | at Cavaliers | 7:00 p.m. | — |
The good news for New York is that its upcoming schedule is not too difficult. Only three of the Knicks' next 10 opponents have winning records: the Clippers, Bucks and Cavaliers.
New York has six of its next 10 games at home, but it has three upcoming back-to-backs. The Knicks are firmly the three seed, six games behind the Celtics and four games in front of the Bucks. A lengthy losing streak is the only way New York will fall, and even with Brunson out, the Knicks have one of the most talented rosters in the NBA.