Knicks’ Jalen Brunson has injury scare in first quarter of NBA Finals
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The New York Knicks held their collective breath after All-Star guard Jalen Brunson suffered an injury scare in the first quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs.
Spurs bench player Harrison Barnes accidentally hit Brunson’s right knee as he fell to the ground, and the Knicks star immediately grabbed his leg in obvious pain.
Brunson signaled to the bench and headed to the locker room after leaving the game. He later returned to the bench but had not rejoined the competition at the time of publication.
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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) passes San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama, left, during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball series in San Antonio on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
It goes without saying how important Brunson is to the Knicks, averaging 26.9 points and 6.6 assists in these play-offs.
But there was probably a sigh of relief when Brunson returned to the bench. But he did not immediately return to the game during warm-ups as coaches tried to see if he would wear a knee brace.
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Brunson eventually returned to the game, but his injury scare was not over.
During one drive, he threw a high floater with his left hand that went through the nylon, but appeared to roll his left ankle after landing on the green. It also didn’t help that center Luke Kornet stepped on the same ankle.
Brunson stood up, limping and angrily, walked over to referee Scott Foster and made his own remarks, believing he had been fouled and deserved a chance at the charity stripe.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson passes San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball series played in San Antonio on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
After a short break, Brunson did not return to the locker room or the bench. He stayed on the field and started to find some rhythm.
Both teams are looking for a healthy seven-game series, but the Knicks seeing their leading scorer leave the court early isn’t the case as the Eastern Conference champions look to begin their first trip to the NBA Finals against the same Spurs since 1999.
Brunson did not have a very good start in this match, he started the game by making the first three-pointer and went 0/6 in the first quarter.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) is pressured by San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Finals basketball series played in San Antonio on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
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At the time of publication, Brunson was 5/15 with 11 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
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