Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 4
Brunson Suffers 2 Leg Injuries in NBA Finals Game 1, Stays on Court
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 4

Brunson Suffers 2 Leg Injuries in NBA Finals Game 1, Stays on Court

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 4

Summary

  • Jalen Brunson returned in the second quarter with his right knee heavily wrapped after leaving late in the first quarter, then stayed in Game 1 despite later hurting his left ankle.
  • The knee issue came after Harrison Barnes was pushed into Brunson, and the ankle injury followed when Luke Kornet stepped on him while contesting a shot.
  • Brunson kept producing through both knocks, scoring three straight baskets to put New York briefly back in front as the game remained tight early in the second quarter.
  • The sequence added to Knicks frustration with officiating: New York had attempted 1 free throw to San Antonio's 10, and Brunson angrily protested a no-call after the ankle play.
  • The injuries came in a Finals opener between a Knicks team chasing its first title since 1973 and a Spurs squad that had already erased New York's hot start with a 20-3 run.

Insights

With their star injured, can the Knicks' backup plan deliver their first championship in over 50 years?
Is Jalen Brunson's injury the tipping point for the NBA to finally address its grueling player schedule?