The New York Knicks extended their winning streak to 10 games with a 107-98 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, but the win came at a cost. All-Star guard Jalen Brunson injured his left knee on the first possession of the game and did not return.
Brunson diagnosed with knee contusion
Brunson, who averages 27.2 points per game, was hurt while attempting a jump shot over Cleveland’s Isaac Okoro. Brunson came off a screen near the foul line and raised up without any contact. The 27-year-old Brunson’s legs split awkwardly as he came back down, and he staggered toward the 3-point line before falling to the floor. He grabbed his left leg and sat on the court while play continued.
Brunson briefly got up before limping to the sideline and dropping back down. He was helped up and assisted to the locker room in obvious pain and distress. The Knicks only said he has a sore knee and that his return is questionable.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said after the game that Brunson has a left knee contusion and that X-rays were negative. Thibodeau added that there’s no timetable for how long Brunson will be out.
Knicks overcome Brunson’s absence with balanced effort
Brunson’s injury could have been a major blow for the Knicks, who are already without starters Julius Randle, center Mitchell Robinson and guard O.G. Anunoby (elbow) because of injuries. Brunson is in his second season with the Knicks, who signed him to a four-year, $104 million contract as a free agent in 2022. Brunson spent his first four NBA seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.
However, the Knicks showed their resilience and depth by overcoming Brunson’s absence with a balanced effort. Donte DiVincenzo led the way with 28 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Alec Burks added 18 points off the bench. RJ Barrett had 15 points and eight rebounds, while Nerlens Noel chipped in 12 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.
The Knicks held the Cavaliers to 40.4 percent shooting and forced 17 turnovers. The Knicks also outscored the Cavaliers 50-38 in the paint and 19-9 in fast-break points. The Knicks improved to 40-21, the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference, while the Cavaliers fell to 36-25, the second-best record in the conference.
Knicks aim for 11th straight win against Magic
The Knicks will try to extend their winning streak to 11 games when they face the Orlando Magic on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. The Magic are 24-37, the 11th-worst record in the league, and have lost four of their last five games. The Knicks have won both of their previous meetings with the Magic this season, by 19 points on Jan. 18 and by 10 points on Feb. 17.
The Knicks will hope that Brunson’s injury is not serious and that he can return soon. Brunson has been more than just the catalyst behind New York’s strong season. He has been among the best guards in the NBA, averaging career highs in both points and assists while guiding a No. 9-ranked Knicks offense that has needed to make do with just about every other player of note on the roster at some point this season. Brunson, who entered Sunday having played in 56 of New York’s 60 games, had been the lone constant.
All things considered, a knee contusion is a relatively positive outcome for the Knicks considering how bad non-contact knee injuries can be. The Knicks will hope that Brunson can recover quickly and help them continue their surprising run in the playoffs.
