CLEVELAND — Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson needed to be helped off the ground Sunday due to a left knee damage — a probably devastating setback for New York — within the first minute of a 107-98 win over the Cavaliers.
Brunson, who averages 27.2 factors, was harm whereas trying a bounce shot over Cleveland’s Isaac Okoro. Brunson got here off a display close to the foul and raised up with none contact.
The 27-year-old Brunson’s legs break up awkwardly as he got here again down, and he staggered towards the 3-point line earlier than falling to the ground. He grabbed his left leg and sat on the courtroom whereas play continued.
Brunson briefly received up earlier than limping to the sideline and dropping again down. He was helped up and assisted to the locker room in apparent ache and misery.
The Knicks initially stated Brunson has solely a sore knee. He was dominated out for the remainder of the sport within the third quarter.
A replay confirmed that early in New York’s first possession, Brunson banged knees with Knicks middle Isaiah Hartenstein as he moved previous his teammate whereas setting a display for him.
An elite scorer, Brunson has been carrying the Knicks, who’re with out starters Julius Randle, middle Mitchell Robinson and guard OG Anunoby due to accidents.
Brunson is in his second season with the Knicks, who signed him to a four-year, $104 million contract as a free agent in 2022. Brunson spent his first 4 NBA seasons with the Dallas Mavericks.
The Related Press contributed to this report.