The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New York Knicks on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena, making it eight-straight wins. Ascending up the Western Conference standings behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the Lakers have been looking like legitimate NBA championship contenders.
Thursday's battle between LA and New York went to overtime. While James and Doncic combined for 63 points, New York was led by 39 points from star guard Jalen Brunson. Adding 10 assists and four rebounds, Brunson did some of everything for New York before exiting with an apparent ankle injury.
Staying in the game to take and make two free throws, Brunson limped to the locker room where his night ended.
Jalen Brunson headed to the locker room after suffering a leg injury on this play
He stayed in to shoot his FT's pic.twitter.com/bw4jrE3Uhj
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 7, 2025
Speaking with reporters after the game, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau revealed the latest on his star point guard.
"He's being examined," Thibodeau said, via James L. Edwards of The Athletic.
Thibs on Brunson injury: "He's being examined."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) March 7, 2025
While this may not be the concrete update Knicks fans are looking for, it is all Thibodeau had for reporters after the game. NBA insider Chris Haynes was able to reveal an additional update, and one that should encourage Knicks fans.
"There's optimism New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson only sustained a sprained ankle, sources tell me," Haynes reported on X.
There's optimism New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson only sustained a sprained ankle, sources tell me.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 7, 2025
After his 39-point performance, Brunson is now averaging 26.3 points, 7.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 61 games this season.
Thursday's loss dropped the Knicks to 40-22 on the season, while the Lakers improved to 40-21. New York is still firmly in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Lakers continue strengthening their grip on the second seed.
New York plays the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on Friday night, and will almost certainly be without Brunson after his injury against the Lakers. The 6-foot-2 point guard has been among the NBA's best late-game performers this season, and nearly led the Knicks to an overtime victory before his injury.
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This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 10:27 PM.