Knicks' Jalen Brunson: Diagnosed with left hand fracture
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Brunson has been diagnosed with a left hand fracture and won't return to Sunday's Game 7 against the Pacers.
Brunson finishes Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with 17 points (6-17 FG) and nine assists in 29 minutes. The Pacers hold a commanding double-digit lead, but even if the Knicks pull off a comeback and extend their season, Brunson would presumably miss extended time due to the injury. Alec Burks and Miles McBride are candidates for increased minutes in Brunson's absence.
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Knicks' Jalen Brunson: Heads to locker room
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Brunson went to the locker room late in the third quarter of Sunday's Game 7 against the Pacers due to an undisclosed injury, Stefan Bondy of The New York Post reports.
Brunson has dealt with a foot injury throughout the postseason, but it's unclear why he had to go to the locker room Sunday. The point guard has 17 points (6-17 FG) and nine assists in 29 minutes, so if he's unable to return, Alec Burks and Miles McBride will need to step up.
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Knicks' Jalen Brunson: Leads all scorers despite loss
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Brunson amassed 31 points (11-26 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 6-9 FT), one rebound and five assists in 38 minutes during Friday's 116-103 loss to Indiana in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Brunson ended with a game-high 31 points, the majority of which came in the final quarter. He struggled to find his rhythm early in the game, at one point missing 11 consecutive shot attempts. The Knicks lost Josh Hart late in the game due to an abdominal injury. If the injury causes him to miss or at least play limited minutes in Game 7, Brunson may need to be at his absolute best if New York has any chance of moving onto the next round.
Brunson finished Tuesday's 121-91 win over the Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with 44 points (18-35 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 6-7 FT), four rebounds and seven assists across 43 minutes.
Brunson led the Knicks in scoring for the eighth time this postseason and the third time this series. After going 16-for-43 over the previous two games, Brunson was far more efficient with his 35 shots in Game 5, his most of the playoffs. He's averaging 33.9 points on 45.1 percent shooting, 3.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists over 41.0 minutes per game in the postseason.
Knicks' Jalen Brunson: Struggles with shot in Game 3
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Brunson supplied 26 points (10-26 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-7 FT), six assists and one steal over 38 minutes during Friday's 111-106 loss to the Pacers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Brunson's final stat line looks decent overall, but the fact that he needed 26 shots to score 26 points can't be overlooked. The star guard has been one of the league's best players during the postseason, and the Knicks need him to be more efficient ahead of a pivotal Game 4 on Sunday. This may be just a bump in the road for Brunson, however, as he's shooting 50 percent from the field while averaging 32.7 points per game so far in the series.
Brunson (foot) is available and in the starting lineup for Friday's Game 3 against the Pacers, Steve Popper of Newsday reports.
As expected, Brunson has been upgraded from questionable to available Friday despite dealing with right foot soreness. With OG Anunoby (hamstring) out, Brunson will likely need to continue his scoring dominance in order for the Knicks to take a 3-0 lead in the series.
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Knicks' Jalen Brunson: Expected to play Friday
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Brunson (foot) will likely go through warmups and play in Friday's Game 3 against the Pacers, Stefan Bondy of The New York Post reports.
Brunson is officially listed as questionable for Friday's contest due to right foot soreness but is expected to suit up. The star guard is averaging 35.6 points, 8.1 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 42.4 minutes across his eight appearances thus far in the postseason.
