Will Jalen Brunson’s injury derail the New York Knicks’ campaign?

The New York Knicks are off to get an encouraging 7-4 start. They were unbeatable on the home floor before the 107-124 loss against the Orlando Magic. The loss not only broke a 5-game winning streak (7-1 at home) but also inflicted huge harm in terms of personnel.

Jalen Brunson picked up a gruesome injury with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of the game. As he drove to the basket, the Knicks’ superstar guard stepped on Magic center’s Wandell Carter Jr. ’s foot and rolled his ankle.

Brunson had to leave the arena on crutches and wore a walking boot to minimize the pressure on his ankle. The Knicks lead guard provided 31 points on 10/23 before exiting the game. Thus, the focus shifted away from the loss and towards Brunson’s injury status. At the

time of writing, it is unclear if the injury is long-term. The initial visuals suggested that he can be out for long and the Knicks fandom will be holding its breath right now.

Jalen Brunson is the primary engine of the offense

Jalen Brunson is the heartbeat of the Knicks offense. He is averaging an impressive 28 points per game, accounting for 23.3% of the team’s scoring. He is by far the best shot-creator on the team. The Knicks’ offensive rating is +9.3 when he is on the floor and -1.1 when he is off the floor. Brunson is also the primary playmaker for the team, dishing 6.5 assists per game, helping his teammates generate quality looks.

Knicks’ center Karl-Anthony Towns (20.2 PPG) will have to step up his game in his absence.

Meanwhile, two-way players OG Anunoby (17.1 PPG) and Mikal Bridges (15.6 PPG) will have to fill the void too. The biggest responsibility can fall on Jordan Clarkson. The first time Knicks is tallying a career-low 9.1 PPG but he is also attempting career-low shots (7.2 per game).

The veteran guard can increase his points by compromising his efficiency (46.8% FG). It is clear that Clarkson can only do so much and Brunson is an irreplaceable player. He is the main reason why the Knicks offense is clicking on all cylinders (120.5 PPG). Not having Brunson can have major repercussions for the feisty Knicks. They will hope it is just a short-term injury which allows them to make a strong push later.

It is the second time Brunson has come across an injury scare. On October 28, he suffered a groin and hamstring injury in the loss against the Bucks. He didn’t miss a single game last time but now things look different. Knicks’ coach Mike Brown will be praying that the injury is nothing serious and their main scorer is back in full flow soon. The NBA world awaits the next injury update with finger  crossed.