Knicks G Jalen Brunson injures knee vs. Cavs

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson is questionable to return Sunday night, per the team, after he suffered a left knee injury in the opening minute of the game against the host Cleveland Cavaliers.

Brunson took a pass from Isaiah Hartenstein, but his left leg appeared to kick out awkwardly as he hoisted a shot over Isaac Okoro near the foul line 31 seconds after the opening tip. Brunson hopped for a couple steps and grabbed his lower left leg before falling beyond the 3-point line.

The Cavaliers turned the ball over while Brunson was on the ground and he got up briefly but hobbled for a couple steps before falling down again. Play was stopped and a trainer and teammate Donte DiVincenzo helped Brunson up before another teammate, Precious Achiuwa, and the trainer helped Brunson off the floor.

The Knicks announced he was questionable to return in the second quarter due to "left knee soreness."

A long-term injury for Brunson — a first-time All-Star this season who is averaging a career-high 27.7 points and 6.7 assists per game — would be devastating for the undermanned Knicks. New York went 14-2 in January but was just 4-8 in February while playing without OG Anunoby (right elbow surgery), Julius Randle (right shoulder) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle surgery), all of whom are out indefinitely.

The Knicks entered Sunday in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, and the Philadelphia 76ers moved into a tie with New York after beating Dallas.

—Field Level Media