New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of Monday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, but the team received some good news after he underwent an MRI.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters on Tuesday that the MRI revealed no structural damage to Brunson’s knee, and that he is considered day-to-day with a sprain.
“He’s feeling a lot better today,” Thibodeau said. “He’s walking around, so that’s a positive sign.”
Tom Thibodeau says Jalen Brunson's knee contusion is "better than it was" and the Knicks are holding him out tonight so that he's "completely ready"
Brunson also underwent an MRI and it came back clean. pic.twitter.com/mBECxYpL2T
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Brunson, who is averaging 14.2 points and 5.4 assists per game this season, collided with Bucks guard Jrue Holiday while driving to the basket and fell to the floor clutching his knee. He was helped to the locker room by his teammates and did not return to the game.
The Knicks, who are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 38-22 record, are hoping that Brunson can recover quickly and rejoin the lineup. He has been a key contributor for the team, especially in the absence of star forward Julius Randle, who is out with a hamstring injury.
“Jalen is a big part of what we do,” Thibodeau said. “He’s a tough kid, he’s a leader, he’s a playmaker. He’s had a terrific season for us.”
The Knicks will face the Miami Heat on Wednesday, followed by a back-to-back against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday and Saturday. Thibodeau said he will evaluate Brunson’s status before each game and adjust his rotation accordingly.
“We have a lot of guys who can step up,” Thibodeau said. “We have a lot of depth and versatility. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow and go from there.”