Jalen Brunson Exits Late with Ankle Injury in Knicks’ Home Loss to Magic

A promising night for Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks ended in concern and disappointment. Late in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s 124–107 loss to the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden, Brunson drove toward the basket and landed awkwardly, injuring his right ankle with less than two minutes to play.

Head coach Mike Brown confirmed afterward that Brunson “turned his ankle” but offered no further update on the severity of the injury. Multiple reporters noted that Brunson later exited the arena in a walking boot and on crutches, raising immediate questions about his availability for the coming weeks.

At the time of the injury, the Knicks trailed 115–99. Brunson had already posted an impressive individual line — 31 points and six assists — before signaling to the bench and removing himself from the game with 1:52 remaining.

The loss snapped New York’s five-game winning streak and marked its first home defeat of the season, dropping the team to 7–1 at Madison Square Garden. For a team that had been surging, the sight of its floor general limping off was a deflating turn of events.

1. Lingering Concerns Over a Familiar Injury

Wednesday’s incident was especially troubling given Brunson’s history with the same ankle. Last season, he sprained his right ankle and missed 15 games, initially expected to sit just two weeks before the injury lingered longer than anticipated. Despite re-aggravating it during the postseason, Brunson fought through pain to help lead the Knicks to the Eastern Conference finals. His durability and leadership have been central to New York’s success this season. Averaging over 25 points and playing more than 35 minutes per game, Brunson’s impact extends well beyond scoring — setting the tempo, creating shots for teammates, and controlling the game’s flow. The team will likely take a cautious approach this time, with medical evaluations expected in the coming days. Given Brunson’s importance to their playoff aspirations, the Knicks’ staff won’t risk rushing his return, especially this early in the season. For now, the team and fans await clarity on whether this is a minor setback or a more serious issue that could derail their early momentum.

2. Knicks’ Winning Streak Snapped

The loss to Orlando halted one of New York’s most consistent stretches of the young season. Entering the night, the Knicks had won five straight and were undefeated at home, showcasing improved chemistry, strong defense, and balanced scoring under Brown’s system. But the Magic — one of the East’s most improved squads — outplayed New York in key stretches, particularly after halftime. Their length and defensive discipline limited the Knicks’ ball movement, while Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner combined for efficient scoring performances that silenced the Garden crowd. Even with Brunson’s heroics early, New York’s offense sputtered late, managing just 18 points in the fourth quarter. Julius Randle and RJ Barrett combined for 25 points on 10-of-27 shooting, leaving Brunson to shoulder much of the offensive load. Without their point guard in the closing minutes, the Knicks couldn’t mount a comeback, and Orlando closed strong to secure the win — a result that underscored how critical Brunson is to New York’s identity.

3. What Comes Next for New York

The Knicks now face the challenge of adjusting if Brunson is forced to miss time. Backup guard Miles McBride and veteran Donte DiVincenzo could see increased minutes, while Randle and Barrett will likely take on greater playmaking responsibilities. Defensively, New York’s structure remains intact, but the offense could face growing pains without Brunson’s leadership and late-game shot-making. His absence would test the Knicks’ depth — a factor that has separated them from the conference’s top teams in past seasons. Coach Brown emphasized maintaining perspective after the loss, noting that the team must “focus on consistency and collective effort” while awaiting updates on their star. For a Knicks team with playoff ambitions, the next few games could reveal whether their strong start was sustainable — or overly dependent on Brunson’s brilliance.