PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JANUARY 09: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts during the final moments of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 09, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Knicks 112-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

...

Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

Just five minutes into a road matchup against the Sacramento Kings, the struggling New York Knicks lost Jalen Brunson to an ankle injury. Eventually, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game with an ankle sprain.

The next-day diagnosis would suggest the Knicks weren’t losing Brunson to a long-term setback, but a positive injury update couldn’t erase the fact that a poor effort in Sacramento led to a 112-101 loss against a team the Knicks knew they should’ve defeated.

Since the start of 2026, the Knicks are 2-6. They went from in-season champions to being in a slump. Without Brunson against the Golden State Warriors on January 15, the Knicks were dominated with a 126-113 loss. That was their second loss in a row.

Read More on NBA

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 07: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden on January 07, 2026 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the LA Clippers 123-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

...

Could Jalen Brunson Return to the Lineup?

There was a chance initially. On Friday night, the Knicks’ injury report listed Brunson as questionable to play on Saturday night against the Phoenix Suns.

View this post on X

The Knicks didn't wait for a pregame warmup to decide on Brunson's status. New York head coach Mike Brown told the media that Brunson would be out during his routine pregame press conference. It will mark his second absence in a row.

The Knicks didn’t have to play without the MVP-caliber guard much this year. Brunson missed two games in mid-November, and the Knicks split those matchups with a win and a loss. There was a lone absence on December 23, and that’s it before Brunson’s recent ankle injury.

In 37 games this season, Brunson has averaged 28.2 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. He is shooting 48 percent from the field and 38 percent from three.

The Knicks will get clarity on Brunson’s final playing status soon enough. The Knicks and the Suns are set for a 7:30 PM ET tip-off on Saturday night. New York is looking to climb out of a two-game skid, while Phoenix is in a similar boat.

For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines