When everything was going from strength to strength for the Knicks, Jalen Brunson’s physical problems have emerged as a serious threat. For now there is no talk of a serious injury, but there is pain in his left foot that prevents him from playing comfortably and that keeps him from his team’s next game, which will take place this Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The point guard – for many the best free agency signing of 2022 – has become an essential piece of Tom Thibodeau’s scheme. His numbers, 23.8 points and 6.1 assists per night, are really good, but his leadership ability on the court says more about him, as well as his ability to make the right decisions, which has dazzled thibs.
As for the ailment he suffers, in New York they want to be cautious, but there is still some concern. Having an essential piece with physical problems just over a month before the playoffs begin is not the best possible scenario, let alone seeing him jump onto the field –thinking he is fine– and verifying that he cannot play.
The latter was what happened to him in the last meeting of the New Yorkers against the Sacramento Kings. After two games out, Brunson returned to face the reality that his left foot was not healed. He was only able to spend 19 minutes on the field in his team’s defeat against the Californians.
At the qualifying level there is less concern –for now–. With a 39-29 record built on a nine-game winning streak, the Knicks are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference and have a three-game lead over the seventh-placed Miami Heat. The thing is, there are still 14-15 regular season games left and this could change; although it is no less true that to date they have not managed badly in the face of Brunson’s occasional absences, since they have a balance of 3-3 in such games.
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
