Is Jalen Brunson's Injury Update the Hidden Key to the Knicks' Surprising Playoff Run?

SAN FRANCISCO — Jalen Brunson’s troublesome right ankle sidelined him for a highly anticipated match-up against Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. The New York Knicks point guard was ruled out of Thursday night's game due to a sprain he sustained just a day earlier during a disappointing loss to the Sacramento Kings. The injury occurred in the first quarter, leaving fans and teammates concerned.

As of now, the Knicks have labeled Brunson as “day to day,” which offers some hope that the injury may not be severe. However, this isn't the first time Brunson has dealt with ankle issues. He missed two games earlier this season due to a similar sprain, and last season, he sat out 15 games for the same reason. These recurring injuries raise questions about the long-term stability of his ankle.

Dr. Stephanie Gwin, a non-operative sports medicine physician at Rothman Orthopaedics, explained to The Post that “inverse ankle sprains are really common. And, unfortunately, they beget themselves.” She noted that the more someone sprains their ankle, the more unstable it becomes, increasing the likelihood of future injuries. “Even if it is a lower-grade sprain, they may err towards giving that a little bit longer so they can have him for the postseason,” Gwin added. While she hasn't treated or examined Brunson, Gwin observed that he appeared to move well after the injury, suggesting it wasn't a severe sprain. Brunson exited the Kings' arena with a slight limp but without crutches or a walking boot.

“Typically, ankle sprains are graded 1 through 3,” Gwin elaborated. “Earlier in the season, he was only out for a week, which would be consistent with a grade 1. When you’re getting towards a month, like his sprain last season, that’s usually a grade 2, in which case there could be a partial tear of the ligament.”

Brunson's latest injury came as he planted his right foot while dribbling, causing his ankle to give way. He left the game against the Kings after just five minutes, contributing to a disheartening 112-101 defeat.

“The mainstay of treatment is to immobilize it and rehab it, working up the chain to knee and hip strength because that also helps control the ankle,” Gwin advised. Some athletes may also opt for regenerative treatments like PRP injections, although the evidence supporting such methods is mixed. “There’s really little downside other than a little discomfort from the injection,” she noted.

As the Knicks gear up for the crucial end-of-season push, the team’s performance significantly hinges on Brunson's health. Since he joined the Knicks in 2022, the team has shown a stark contrast in performance with and without him. They entered Thursday's game with an 18-19 record in matches he didn't play versus a strong 155-94 record when he was active. His ability to dissect defenses with his hard cuts and pivots is critical for the Knicks' success.

Brunson’s absence was felt deeply, as head coach Mike Brown expressed disappointment in the team's performance without their star point guard. “I’d be disappointed in myself and the rest of the team. It was sad, but we didn’t play the way we were capable of playing. When you do that, you’re going to get your behinds kicked, and we got our behinds kicked,” Brown remarked.

In a league where every game counts, the Knicks are acutely aware that a single misstep can jeopardize their playoff aspirations. With Brunson sidelined, the team must quickly adapt and find a way to compensate for his absence. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on his recovery and the implications for the Knicks as they aim for a successful postseason run.