It’s now eight straight games without Jalen Brunson, and the Knicks are still in wait mode. The star guard, who has been one of the league’s most reliable and efficient floor leaders this season, is out with a sprained right ankle.
He’s doing “controlled court work,” but there’s still no clear return date. The team said his condition will be reviewed again in about a week.
Coach Tom Thibodeau called it “good, steady progress,” though it doesn’t change the fact that Brunson’s absence has been hard to ignore. He’s played in 61 games so far, averaging 26.3 points, 7.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals while shooting 49% from the field and nearly 38.5% from beyond the arc. Those numbers look good on paper, but what Brunson brings in leadership and control matters just as much.
Alan Hahn of MSG Networks put it best: “Can not ever take Jalen Brunson and his impact on winning, toughness and determination for granted. What he means for this team beyond points and assists can’t be overstated.”
- Jalen Brunson will remain out for at least another week as he recovers from a right ankle sprain, and he is now missing eight consecutive games.
- Despite injuries, the Knicks secured a 122-103 win over the Wizards, improving to 4-4 without their All-Star guard and keeping their playoff position strong.
- Young players like Tyler Kolek and Cameron Payne stepped up, showing depth and resilience as the Knicks prepare for a tough matchup against the Mavericks.
Knicks Snap Skid With Win Over Wizards at Home
With Brunson out, the Knicks entered Saturday night’s game against the Washington Wizards looking to avoid a third straight loss. They had just dropped two ugly ones to the Spurs and the Hornets—both games by double-digit margins. The Knicks needed a bounce-back win, and they got it.
They beat the Wizards 122-103 at Madison Square Garden. Yes, the Wizards are the last-place team in the East with a 15-54 record, but the Knicks didn’t get to choose the opponent. They played who was in front of them, and they won. That improved their record to 44-26 through 70 games, still holding the third spot in the Eastern Conference.
More Injuries Bring More Changes, But Young Players Step Up
The win didn’t come easy because the Knicks had more injury problems. Miles McBride, who had been starting in Brunson’s place for the past seven games, was ruled out just before tip-off because of a groin injury. That meant the Knicks had to rely on their third-string point guard, and the pressure fell on Cam Payne and rookie Tyler Kolek to keep the offense moving.
Payne responded well with 13 points and 7 assists, and Kolek played his best game so far. He got 18 minutes, and all 7 of his assists came in the second quarter. Most of those passes went to Mikal Bridges, who was knocking down shots.
“Once he made one, Ty found him again. He made another one,” Payne said. “It was big-time for us having Ty out there finding ’Kal constantly.”
Thibodeau wasn’t surprised by the team effort and said they have to continue winning games together, not expecting one player to replace Brunson. “You are not replacing Jalen individually. It’s impossible. We have to do it collectively with our defense and rebounding and playing together,” he said.
Other players were missing, too. Ariel Hukporti and Kevin McCullar Jr. were ruled out, and Pacome Dadiet was listed as questionable. The team has had to shift its lineups and rotations, but the new players have handled it well enough to give them a chance.
Mitchell Robinson Focuses on Playoffs and Blocks Out the Noise
While the Knicks deal with injuries, Mitchell Robinson is also trying to get back to full strength. He missed the Hornets game, which was the second game of a back-to-back, but returned to the court against the Wizards. He played 17 minutes and had 4 points and 5 rebounds—not a huge game, but solid minutes as he works his way back from his own injury.
Off the court, Robinson made it clear he’s locking in on the playoffs. On Friday, he posted on Instagram that he won’t be replying to anyone on social media anymore. “I’m getting ready for the playoffs,” he said. “And to get things in order for myself and my life. I appreciate all of you for your support.”
Thibodeau didn’t have much to say about the post and gave a short reply when asked. “I go by more actions,” he said, staying focused on basketball.
Knicks Hold Court While St. John’s Season Comes to an End
The Knicks weren’t the only team at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. St. John’s also plays its home games there, and their NCAA Tournament run ended the same day the Knicks picked up a win. Thibodeau gave credit to what Rick Pitino has done with the team this year.
“I follow from afar,” he said. “I watch them whenever I can. They had a heck of a season. Rick has done an incredible job there. The program is on its way. They had a phenomenal year.”
Thibodeau also praised Arkansas coach John Calipari for his work in his first season since leaving Kentucky. It was a small moment in the press conference, but it showed how much Thibodeau respects the game at all levels and how closely he follows coaching around the country.
Knicks Try to Stay Balanced as They Wait on Brunson
The win over the Wizards helped calm things down, but the Knicks are far from settled. They’ve now gone 4-6 in their last ten games, and it’s been hard to find any real rhythm with so many players missing.
They’ll continue to wait on Brunson’s next evaluation and hope that McBride’s groin injury doesn’t keep him out too long. The rookies and role players have shown they can step in, but this team is built around Brunson, and everyone knows it.
For now, they’re holding their ground—barely—but they’re still standing. And as long as that remains true, there’s something to build on.
