The New York Knicks were without their floor general on Thursday night, and it showed. Jalen Brunson, sidelined with a sprained right ankle, missed the matchup against the Golden State Warriors - a game the Knicks dropped 126-113. Without their engine, New York struggled to find rhythm on either end of the floor.
But there’s a flicker of optimism on the horizon. According to the NBA’s official injury report, Brunson is listed as “questionable” for Saturday’s tilt against the Phoenix Suns. That designation doesn’t guarantee a return, but it does suggest the injury may not be as severe as initially feared.
Brunson’s absence is no small thing. He’s been the heartbeat of this Knicks team, playing in 37 games so far this season and averaging 28.2 points and 6.1 assists per contest. Those aren’t just All-Star numbers - they’re the kind of stats that have put him firmly in the conversation for All-NBA honors once again.
The Knicks, now sitting at 25-16, hold the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. That positioning owes a lot to Brunson’s consistency and leadership.
His injury came early in the January 14th game against the Sacramento Kings - just five minutes in, he rolled the ankle and exited after scoring four points. New York went on to lose that one 112-101, and the offense never quite looked the same.
Still, Brunson gave fans a reason to believe with a positive update on Thursday. And if his track record tells us anything, it’s that he won’t stay down for long.
Let’s not forget what he’s meant to this franchise in just a short span. Last postseason, Brunson was electric - averaging 29.4 points, 7.0 assists, and 3.4 rebounds as he led the Knicks all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. That run ended at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, but Brunson’s performance was nothing short of elite.
He followed that up by being named the NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year in 2025 - a nod to his ability to take over games when it matters most. And just last month, he added another piece of hardware to his growing résumé: MVP of the NBA Cup tournament, which the Knicks won in December.
Brunson’s accolades continue to pile up. He’s a two-time NBA All-Star and earned back-to-back All-NBA Second Team selections in 2024 and 2025. For his career, he’s averaging 18.8 points and 5.1 assists per game while shooting an efficient 48.8% from the field - proof that his rise has been built on sustained production, not just hot streaks.
The Knicks know how vital he is to their identity. With Brunson, they’re a team that can hang with anyone in the East.
Without him, they’re searching for answers. Whether he suits up Saturday or needs more time, one thing’s clear - New York’s success this season will go as far as Brunson can take them.