Jalen Brunson Leaves Knicks-Lakers Game After Overtime Ankle Roll

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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Details of the Injury

When and How Did It Happen?

The injury occurred with just under two minutes remaining in overtime. Brunson, driving aggressively to the basket, attempted a layup against Lakers guard Austin Reaves. As he landed, his left foot appeared to roll awkwardly under his body weight. He immediately grabbed at his left ankle, crumpling to the court in obvious pain. The reaction from the Knicks bench was immediate, with head coach Tom Thibodeau calling a timeout and the team's medical staff rushing onto the court.

• Specific time in the overtime period: Approximately 1:45 remaining.
• Description of the play leading to the injury: A drive to the basket, attempting a layup against Austin Reaves.
• Visible reaction from Brunson: Immediate pain, grabbing his left ankle, visibly wincing, unable to put weight on his left leg.
• Team response: Immediate timeout called by Coach Thibodeau; medical staff attended to him on the court; Brunson was helped off the court.

Severity of the Injury and Initial Assessment

Initial Diagnosis and Treatment

On-court assessment indicated a possible left ankle sprain. Brunson received immediate attention from the Knicks' medical team, which included some on-court treatment, likely involving ice and possibly some initial stabilization. He was unable to put any weight on his left ankle and required assistance to leave the court. While no official diagnosis was given immediately, the severity of his reaction suggested a potentially significant injury.

• Did he receive any on-court treatment? Yes, initial ice and possibly stabilization.
• Was he able to walk off the court under his own power? No, he required assistance.
• Any visible signs of swelling or bruising? While immediate swelling wasn't explicitly visible during the broadcast, some minor swelling may have developed rapidly.
• Initial comments from Knicks coaching staff or medical personnel (if available): No official statements were made immediately following the game, other than Coach Thibodeau expressing concern for Brunson.

Impact on the Knicks and the Game

Game Outcome and Team Performance

Brunson's absence significantly impacted the Knicks' performance. The team, which had been playing strongly up to that point, seemed to lose their offensive rhythm and flow without their primary ball-handler and playmaker. Their offensive efficiency dipped considerably, leading to missed shots and turnovers. While other players attempted to compensate, the absence of Brunson's leadership and scoring ability proved too much to overcome. The Knicks ultimately lost the game to the Lakers despite taking it to overtime.

• Did the Knicks win or lose the game? The Knicks lost the game.
• How did the team perform offensively and defensively without Brunson? Offensive efficiency dropped significantly; defensive performance was impacted by the lack of offensive cohesion.
• Did any other players step up to compensate for his absence? While players like RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley tried to shoulder the scoring load, it wasn't enough to fill the void left by Brunson.
• Coach's comments on Brunson's absence and its effect on the game: Coach Thibodeau expressed concern about Brunson's injury and acknowledged the negative impact it had on the team's performance.

Further Updates and Outlook

Expected Timeline for Return and Further Tests

Following the game, the Knicks announced that Brunson would undergo further evaluation, including an MRI, to determine the full extent of the ankle injury. While no definitive timeline for his return has been given, early reports suggest the possibility of a significant absence, potentially ranging from several weeks to even longer depending on the severity of the sprain or any potential ligament damage. The injury's impact on the Knicks' playoff chances remains a major concern.

• Planned medical tests (e.g., MRI): Yes, an MRI is scheduled.
• Expected recovery time (if available from reports): A definitive timeline is unknown, but potential absence ranges from several weeks to longer, depending on the severity.
• Impact on the Knicks' playoff chances (if applicable): Brunson's absence significantly reduces the Knicks' playoff prospects and makes their seeding more uncertain.
• Updates on Brunson's condition from team officials (if released): Further updates are expected once the MRI results are available and a diagnosis is finalized.

Conclusion

Jalen Brunson's ankle injury sustained during the crucial overtime period of the Knicks-Lakers game is a significant setback for the New York Knicks. The severity of the injury and the ensuing timeline for his return are uncertain, pending further medical evaluation. His absence will undoubtedly impact the team's performance and playoff aspirations. For the latest updates on the Jalen Brunson ankle injury, keep checking back for further news and official statements from the Knicks organization. Stay tuned for updates on the Jalen Brunson injury situation.