SAN FRANCISCO — Jalen Brunson’s recent ankle injury has sidelined him for a key game.
The point guard was unable to participate in Thursday’s matchup against Stephen Curry and the Warriors, having twisted his ankle during the first quarter of a tough defeat against the Kings in Sacramento the day before.
The Knicks have given him a “day-to-day” status, which suggests the injury might not be too serious.
However, this is not the first time Brunson has dealt with ankle issues; he’s already missed two games this season and sat out 15 games last season for similar injuries. This raises concerns about how recurrent injuries could affect the long-term stability of his ankle.
In the context of playoff performance, any misstep could be detrimental for the Knicks.
“Reverse ankle sprains are common and can happen easily,” explained Dr. Stephanie Gwinn, a physician specializing in sports medicine. “The more sprains accumulate, the more unstable the ankle becomes, leading to further sprains. So even if this latest sprain is minor, they might err on the side of caution and keep him out a bit longer to ensure he’s ready for the postseason.”
Although Gwinn hasn’t treated Brunson directly, she noted he moved around a bit after the injury, which might indicate it isn’t severe. After leaving the Kings’ arena on Wednesday, he had a slight limp but wasn’t on crutches or in a walking boot.
“Ankle sprains are typically graded from 1 to 3,” she said. “Earlier in the season, he was out for about a week, which suggests a grade 1 sprain. As time passes, like with his previous injury, it may indicate a grade 2 sprain, where there could be some ligament tear.”
“From what I saw on video, he was able to walk off, bearing weight without issues. It seems like another minor sprain, similar to what he experienced earlier,” Gwinn added, while acknowledging that having two sprains in one season after a major one is worrying.
This most recent injury was slightly different. Brunson had to exit during the 112-101 loss to the Kings after twisting his ankle while dribbling and landing awkwardly on his right foot.
Gwinn suggested that retraining his ankle with help from the Knicks’ staff could be beneficial.
The treatment for such injuries generally involves immobilization, rehabilitation, and strengthening surrounding muscles, which can also aid ankle control. “Right now, we occasionally use procedures like PRP injections for athletes. Results are mixed regarding their effectiveness, and while there may be some discomfort or downtime post-injection, the risks are minimal,” she explained.
For the Knicks, having Brunson at full health is crucial. Historically, they fare much better when he’s on the court. Since his signing in 2022, the team has recorded an 18-19 record without him versus a strong 155-94 when he plays.
Clearly, the team needs him and, importantly, his ankle in good condition for critical games ahead. The recent loss against the Kings—where he played just five minutes before injury—reinforces this point.
“I’m frustrated with myself and the team,” commented coach Mike Brown. “It was unfortunate, but we didn’t play up to our standards. If you don’t perform well, consequences follow, and we felt that on the court.”
