Jalen Brunson Returns After Week Off Due to Ankle Sprain

DALLAS — All-Star Jalen Brunson made a swift return to the New York Knicks‘ lineup on Wednesday night after missing a week due to a Grade 1 right ankle sprain. Brunson sustained the injury on November 12 during a drive to the basket in a loss against the Orlando Magic, where he scored 31 points before leaving the game with under two minutes to play.

Initially, Brunson was evaluated daily while he missed two games. The injury was to the same ankle that caused him to miss 15 games last season, creating concern among fans and coaches. Fortunately, the team described his sprain as the lowest severity possible, allowing him to recover more quickly.

Brunson’s quick recovery less than a week after the injury surprised many, including his teammates. “Just mental toughness. Just going through pain,” said Mikal Bridges, a longtime friend and former Villanova teammate of Brunson. “Some guys sit out longer than usual, but I think it’s just mental toughness to get through it and be alright playing through pain.”

The Knicks felt Brunson’s absence in a recent game against the Miami Heat, where they barely managed to create scoring opportunities in the final minutes. Brunson, who is averaging 28 points, 6.5 assists, and shooting 46.7% from the field this season, has been pivotal in anchoring New York’s offense.

In a sentimental twist, Brunson’s return happened in Dallas, the city where he began his NBA career as a second-round draft pick in 2018. He played for the Mavericks for four seasons before joining the Knicks in 2022. “Obviously he had some good years here,” said teammate Josh Hart. “Whenever you come to a place like that, it’s always a good feeling.”

Since Brunson’s return, Knicks fans are optimistic about upcoming matches and how his presence can stabilize the team’s performance. His resilience, experience, and skill make him a crucial asset as the Knicks face tough competition in the coming games.