Basketball fans across the globe hold their breath every time a star player goes down. For New York Knicks supporters, that moment arrived on March 6, 2025, when Jalen Brunson, their All-Star point guard, suffered a sprained right ankle during an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The injury sparked immediate concern, not just because Brunson anchors the team’s offense, but because the playoffs loom just around the corner. As of April 10, 2025, the latest updates offer a mix of hope and cautious optimism. This article dives deep into Brunson’s injury, his recovery journey, its impact on the Knicks, and what fans can expect moving forward. Let’s break it all down.
The Moment That Shook Knicks Nation
The game against the Lakers unfolded like a Hollywood thriller. With only 1:24 left in overtime, Brunson drove hard to the basket, a move he executes with precision night after night. He collided with Lakers guard Austin Reaves, landed awkwardly, and rolled his right ankle in a way that made everyone wince. Despite the pain, Brunson showed his grit. He stayed on the court long enough to sink two clutch free throws, tying the game at 107. Then, he limped off to the locker room, leaving Knicks fans clutching their jerseys in worry.
Brunson’s toughness shines through in moments like these. He finished that game with a game-high 39 points and 10 assists, proving once again why he ranks among the NBA’s elite. However, the sight of him exiting the court sparked immediate questions. How bad was the injury? Would it derail the Knicks’ season? The team quickly confirmed he suffered a right ankle sprain, and early reports estimated he’d miss at least two weeks. For a squad sitting third in the Eastern Conference with a 47-27 record, losing their captain for any stretch felt like a punch to the gut.
Understanding Ankle Sprains: What Happened to Brunson?
Ankle sprains dominate the injury reports in basketball. They occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, often from sudden twists or awkward landings. Brunson’s injury fits this mold perfectly. When he landed on Reaves’ foot, his ankle rolled outward, putting immense stress on those ligaments. Experts classify ankle sprains into three grades: mild (Grade 1), moderate (Grade 2), and severe (Grade 3). Based on the Knicks’ initial two-week timeline, Brunson likely sustained a Grade 2 sprain, which involves partial tearing and moderate swelling.
Recovery from a Grade 2 sprain typically takes two to six weeks, depending on the player’s health, rehab process, and pain tolerance. Brunson’s durability adds a layer of optimism here. Since joining the Knicks in 2022, he rarely misses games. He played 77 regular-season contests in 2023-24 and averaged 32.4 points in the playoffs despite a fractured hand. His history suggests he pushes through pain, but this injury tests even his iron will. The Knicks, meanwhile, prioritize his long-term health over a rushed return, especially with the postseason in sight.
The Road to Recovery: Brunson’s Progress as of April 10, 2025
Fast forward to today, April 10, 2025, and the news around Brunson’s recovery brightens the mood in New York. After missing 15 games, he returned to action on April 6 against the Phoenix Suns. The Knicks listed him as probable for that game, and he suited up, logging 34 minutes in a 112-98 victory. He scored 15 points, dished out six assists, and grabbed two rebounds, though his shooting (3-for-9) hinted at some rust. Still, his presence lifted the team, and fans exhaled a collective sigh of relief.
Before that return, Brunson provided updates that fueled hope. On March 30, he told reporters he felt better every day and gained clearance for basketball activities. He sprinted, cut, and changed directions on his right ankle, signaling major progress. However, he admitted full contact remained uncertain. “Realistically, I’m hoping to play before the playoffs,” he said, emphasizing the need for game reps to shake off the cobwebs. His return against the Suns proved he met that goal, but his minutes restriction suggested the Knicks ease him back carefully.
Then, on April 8, Brunson faced the Boston Celtics and looked more like his old self. He dropped 27 points, including five three-pointers, and added 10 assists in a 119-117 overtime loss. That double-double marked his 14th of the season, and his long-range shooting showed he regained his rhythm. With three regular-season games left before the playoffs, Brunson uses these matchups to fine-tune his conditioning. The Knicks, meanwhile, monitor his workload to ensure he hits the postseason at full strength.
How the Knicks Survived Without Their Star
Brunson’s absence tested the Knicks’ depth, and they responded admirably. From March 6 to April 5, they posted a 9-6 record, holding firm in third place in the East. Players like Miles McBride, Cameron Payne, and rookie Tyler Kolek stepped into bigger roles, while stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges shouldered more offensive responsibility. Coach Tom Thibodeau leaned on a “next man up” mentality, and the team’s grit kept them afloat.
Take OG Anunoby, for instance. During Brunson’s absence, he erupted for 32 points against the Suns on April 6, including a perfect 19-point third quarter. His surge highlighted the Knicks’ ability to adapt. Towns, acquired in a blockbuster trade before the season, also delivered, averaging double-doubles in several games. The collective effort ensured New York clinched a playoff spot, but everyone knew Brunson’s return would elevate them from contenders to threats.
Interestingly, the Knicks struggled against top teams without him. They fell to 0-5 against the East’s top two seeds, Boston and Cleveland, exposing a ceiling without their point guard. Brunson’s playmaking and scoring open up the floor, and his absence left the offense stagnant at times. His return against the Suns and Celtics showed glimpses of that spark, but consistency remains the goal as the postseason nears.
Brunson’s Importance: Why the Knicks Need Him Healthy
Jalen Brunson anchors the Knicks like few players in franchise history. He averages 26.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds this season, shooting 49% from the field and 38.4% from three. Those numbers rank him seventh in scoring and eighth in assists league-wide, making him a legitimate MVP candidate. Beyond stats, his leadership and clutch gene define him. He thrives in high-pressure moments, like those free throws against the Lakers despite a throbbing ankle.
In the playoffs, Brunson transforms into a supernova. Across 24 postseason games with New York, he averages 30.3 points, leading the team to back-to-back second-round appearances. His 2023-24 playoff run, where he averaged 32.4 points despite a hand injury, cemented his status as the Knicks’ heartbeat. With Towns, Bridges, and Anunoby now in the fold, this roster eyes a deep run, but only if Brunson stays healthy. A re-injury in the playoffs could sink their championship dreams, so the team treads carefully.
Moreover, Brunson’s style complements his teammates. His elite footwork and hustle create space for shooters like Bridges and big men like Towns. He draws fouls at a high rate, wearing down defenses and opening opportunities. Without him, the Knicks lack that orchestrator, and their offense bogs down against elite competition. His return restores balance, but the next few games determine if he regains his All-NBA form in time.
FAQs About Jalen Brunson’s Injury
1. What exactly happened to Jalen Brunson’s ankle during the Lakers game?
Mike Jalen Brunson sprained his right ankle on March 6, 2025, during an overtime loss to the Lakers. He drove to the basket, landed on Austin Reaves’ foot, and rolled his ankle awkwardly. Despite the pain, he made two free throws before leaving the game, showing his toughness.
2. How long did Brunson miss due to this injury, and when did he return?
La Liga Brunson sat out 15 games after injuring his ankle. He returned on April 6, 2025, against the Phoenix Suns, playing 34 minutes in a win. His absence spanned exactly one month, testing the Knicks’ resilience.
3. How has Brunson performed since coming back from the injury?
Since returning, Brunson shows signs of regaining form. Against the Suns, he scored 15 points but shot poorly, suggesting rust. Two days later, he notched 27 points and 10 assists against the Celtics, proving he’s close to his All-Star level.
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