The New York Knicks engaged the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of their competitive Eastern Conference semifinal matchup. New York held the game close midway through the second quarter. However, the Knicks were hit with a concerning Jalen Brunson injury before the end of the first half.
Jalen Brunson suffers untimely injury in Knicks-Pacers Game 2
Brunson exited the game to the locker room with left foot soreness and was questionable to return, the Knicks’ PR team announced on X. Thankfully, the star guard came out and warmed up with the team after halftime, per a video provided by ClutchPoints (h/t Steve Popper):
Jalen Brunson has been the heart and soul of the highly competitive Knicks. He struggled early during the first round against the Philadelphia 76ers but has since rallied to supply New York with a reliable flow of offense. The star guard has averaged a whopping 36.6 points and 8.6 assists through seven 2024 playoff games.
Brunson was huge in the Knicks’ 121-117 Game 1 win over the Pacers. He amassed a game-high 43 points, six assists, and six rebounds. If Brunson were to endure a hiatus, it would be a crushing blow to New York. Nevertheless, they have the personnel necessary to support Brunson and keep things afloat.
Josh Hart has stepped up for the Knicks during the postseason. After averaging 9.4 points and 8.3 rebounds during the regular season, Hart leapt to 17.9 points and 12.4 rebounds through the first part of the playoffs. Moreover, he is shooting a blazing 44.7 percent on three-pointers.
If Hart can continue his jump in production, the Knicks can go far. Of course, Hart will not be able to do it by himself. Thus, Donte DiVincenzo and OG Anunoby look to continue providing stout two-way support.
New York trailed by ten points going into halftime. Can the Knicks rally and go up 2-0 as Jalen Brunson returns to the court from injury?
Christopher Smith is a sports journalist who primarily covers the NBA, NCAA Basketball, NFL, and NCAA Football for ClutchPoints. The Aurora, Illinois native received his education from Creighton University, and he has bylines at Last Word on Sports and FanSided.
