
USA Today via Reuters
May 2, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates his three point shot against the Miami Heat during the first quarter of game two of the 2023 NBA Eastern Conference semifinal playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
May 2, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) celebrates his three point shot against the Miami Heat during the first quarter of game two of the 2023 NBA Eastern Conference semifinal playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Brunson has transformed into the New York Knicks‘ most reliable player. However, this was not always the case. Just in the beginning of the previous season, he faced criticism for being overpaid. That was largely due to his lack of size and defensive shortcomings. Through a series of demanding games, Brunson has silenced the doubters. He has solidified himself as a dependable go-to guy and a skilled floor general.
However, as the Knicks aim to continue their newfound surge, it looks like Brunson will revoke his services for some time. During the matchup against the Boston Celtics, Brunson accidentally rolled his ankle on a misstep. In the blink of an eye, the guard found himself hobbling and grappling with his ankle, sending a scare through the fanbase. Now, the incident raises concerns about Brunson’s availability in the upcoming games.
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Will Jalen Brunson play against the Toronto Raptors?
Initially given the green light to hit the court for the upcoming clash against the Toronto Raptors, Brunson practiced with the squad on Sunday. However, his status has taken a turn as the game draws near. He is now listed as questionable due to the left ankle sprain.
Knicks injury report Monday vs Raptors:
Mitchell Robinson OUT (left ankle inflammation)
—Did not practice Sunday; more testsJalen Brunson QUESTIONABLE (left ankle sprained)
—Practiced Sunday pic.twitter.com/ybVfVSLhgz— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 11, 2023
Despite this recent update, there’s a likelihood that Brunson will don the Knicks’ jersey when the game tips off. Throughout the season, he has maintained an impressive streak of not missing a single game. Currently, Jalen Brunson boasts an average of 24.8 points and 5.5 assists per game.
Having triumphed over the Raptors in their December 1 road game, the Knicks find themselves in a favorable position as they host them. The familiar surroundings are expected to potentially make things easier for them.
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Was Tom Thibodeau responsible for Brunson’s injury?
Tom Thibodeau has a history of keeping his best players on the court, regardless of even the largest score differentials. As a result, he has been often criticized for the team’s best players getting injured.
While Derrick Rose fans may readily bash Thibodeau’s controversial approach, yet instances with the Knicks alone highlight the pitfalls. A couple of years ago, the Knicks lost RJ Barrett with a 15-point lead and just 25 seconds remaining in the game. In the previous season, a Julius Randle collision gave an injury scare with a comfortable 23-point lead and 2:22 left on the clock.
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The most recent incident involves Jalen Brunson, who suffered an ankle injury with 21 seconds left in the fourth quarter. If it were a close game, Thibodeau’s decision would be a no-brainer. However, the Knicks were trailing by 12 points against the Celtics.
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