Knicks Star Falls Hard
LOS ANGELES — New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson suffered a right ankle injury during an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, March 6, 2025. The game ended 113-109 at Crypto.com Arena, with Brunson exiting late after a strong 39-point performance. He rolled his ankle on a drive, sparking worry for fans and the team as the Knicks began a tough West Coast trip.
Injury Strikes in Overtime
The trouble hit with 1:24 left in overtime. Brunson drove hard to the basket, drawing a foul from Lakers guard Austin Reaves. As he landed, his right ankle twisted sharply after stepping on Reaves’ foot. He crumpled to the floor, clutching his leg in pain. Despite the hurt, Brunson stayed in to sink two free throws, tying the score at 107. But he couldn’t go on. He limped off to the locker room, leaving the Knicks shorthanded. The Lakers pulled ahead, sealing their eighth straight win.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau gave no update right after the game. “He’s still being checked by the medical team,” he told reporters. Early tests showed hope. X-rays came back negative, ruling out a break. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported optimism that it’s just a sprain. Still, the team awaited MRI results on Friday to know more. For now, Brunson’s status is unclear, and the Knicks must brace for life without their star.
Brunson’s Big Night Ends Sour
Before the injury, Brunson was on fire. He dropped 39 points and added 10 assists in 41 minutes. His shots kept the Knicks in the fight, even as they lost a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Lakers’ stars, LeBron James and Luka Dončić, fueled a comeback. James scored 31 points, while Dončić added 32, including clutch shots in overtime. Brunson’s exit tipped the scales. The Knicks couldn’t hold on, dropping to 40-22 on the season.
This isn’t the first bump for Brunson. Since joining New York in 2022, he’s been tough, missing just 20 games in three seasons. He’s the team’s heart, ranking seventh in the NBA with 26.3 points per game and eighth with 7.4 assists. Without him, the Knicks struggle — they’re 9-11 in games he’s sat out. Thursday’s loss marked their second straight defeat, a rare skid for a squad aiming high in the Eastern Conference.
Tough Road Ahead
The timing stings. This game kicked off a five-game West Coast swing. Next up, the Knicks face the Clippers on Friday night, then Sacramento, Portland, and Golden State. Brunson’s injury casts a shadow over the trip. Teammate Josh Hart called it “a bummer.” He added, “We expect him to be out for a little bit. Guys have to step up.” Reserve guards Miles McBride and Cameron Payne will likely see more time. Big men Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges may carry more of the load too.
Fans felt the blow hard. At Crypto.com Arena, Knicks supporters groaned as Brunson hobbled off. Back in New York, late-night viewers took to social media with prayers and frustration. One X post read, “Not Brunson, not now.” The team’s grit will be tested. They’ve got a 3.5-game lead over Milwaukee for the East’s No. 3 seed. But top teams like Boston and Cleveland loom later this month. Staying afloat without Brunson is key.
What’s Next for Knicks
The Knicks dodged a worse fate with no fracture found. A sprain, though, could still sideline Brunson for weeks. A typical ankle sprain takes two to six weeks to heal, depending on severity. Friday’s MRI will tell more. If it’s mild, he might return soon. If it’s bad, New York could slip in the standings. The playoffs are six weeks away, and every game counts. “It’s next man up,” Towns said postgame. “We’ve got to keep playing with grit.”
This loss hurts beyond the scoreboard. The Knicks aimed to prove they could beat elite teams — they’re 0-9 against the NBA’s top four this year. Losing Brunson makes that harder. For now, the focus is on his health. Fans and analysts will watch closely for updates. The team hopes to rally, starting Friday against the Clippers. A healthy Brunson is their ticket to a deep playoff run. Without him, it’s a steep climb.
References
- Knicks guard Jalen Brunson expected to miss time after suffering ankle injury in OT loss to Lakers | AP News
- Jalen Brunson injury: Knicks star appears to turn ankle, leaves game in overtime of loss to Lakers – CBSSports.com
- Knicks’ Jalen Brunson suffers ankle injury in OT loss to Lakers – The Athletic
- New York Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Leaves With Injury vs. Los Angeles Lakers – SI.com
- Report: Jalen Brunson’s X-Rays on Ankle Negative After Injury in Knicks vs. Lakers – Bleacher Report