New York Knicks All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson had to exit Sunday’s Game 7 after injuring his hand. He played only 29 minutes against the Indiana Pacers, as the Knicks fell 130-109 in the deciding game of the Eastern Conference semifinals matchup, ending their season.
Midway through the third period, Brunson injured his hand during a defensive possession as he swiped for the ball from Tyrese Haliburton’s hand. After the play, the Knicks star held onto his hand while in pain. The star went to the locker room with the medical team.
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ESPN later confirmed that Brunson injured his left hand, which is his shooting hand. The star ended with 17 points and nine assists. Without him, the Knicks failed to stop the Pacers. Indiana dominated New York in Game 7 to advance to the Eastern Conference finals to face the Boston Celtics.
Jalen Brunson reflects on the Knicks
The Knicks were the favorites to win the series against the Pacers. However, the injuries that the team sustained during the postseason were too much. Still, they faced the high-paced Indiana team without excuses and some of their key players for a chance to advance to the next round.
The team finished second in the Eastern Conference standings this season and fans had high expectations from the team. With their new leader, Jalen Brunson, the team had a chance to win and establish themselves as one of the best teams in the 2024 playoffs.
Now with their season over, Brunson had some time to reflect on the team and how much they accomplished this season. For the one-time All-Star, he views the Knicks as a special group for what they’ve accomplished this season.
“This team is special in a way that I can’t really explain,” Brunson said. “The way we just fought, the way we just didn’t use excuses and that we just kept finding ways to the best of our abilities and that was just our mindset. I just love the fact that we have that mindset.”
The Knicks fought hard through the many injuries their players have had in the postseason. OG Anunoby, who was out since his exit in Game 2 due to a hamstring injury, played through injury in Game 7. However, he was only on the floor for less than five minutes.
Josh Hart was the same, as he played through injury. Hart showed the fans why he was the heart and soul of the team as he played the entire game despite suffering an abdominal injury in Game 6.
Other players on the team also stepped up their game to help the team keep their season alive. Donte DiVincenzo erupted for 39 points, which was close to his career high of 40 points. Veteran player Alec Burks also impressed fans with his 26-point outing in Game 7.
Knicks showed determination in the postseason but fell short. They have the opportunity to address their player’s injuries this offseason and be ready for the next campaign.
Also read: Jalen Brunson subtly brushes off being snubbed on Team USA Basketball roster for Paris Olympics
