With their backs against the wall, the New York Knicks have played fairly well in Game 4 against the Atlanta Hawks.
Things may get a little more complicated.
All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson, New York’s best player and captain, went into the locker room in the third quarter Saturday, April 25, after getting banged up on a loose ball.
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During the play, Brunson was getting defended by Hawks guards Dyson Daniels and CJ McCollum. Brunson appeared to tweak his right ankle before going down, but also may have also drawn contact to his head and neck area, as Daniels and McCollum wrapped Brunson up for a jump ball. Daniels also appeared to land on Brunson’s left ankle.
Brunson did take the jump ball, but lost it. Moments later, he asked for a substitution and jogged into the locker room with 10:29 left to play in the period. Brunson did not appear to have any notable limp as he walked down the tunnel.
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Moondog performs during the first quarter of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena.
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team performs during a time out during the second half of game one in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Cleveland Brows player Myles Garrett riles up the crowd during the first half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
A fan waves a towel during the second half of game one between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena.
NBA playoffs fans, dancers, cheerleaders and mascots bring the energy
Fans arrive to watch warmups before game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Ball Arena.
The Knicks did not issue an immediate update about his status. They were up 58-49 at the time Brunson left the game.
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Through 19:49 on the court, Brunson shot 4-of-11 for 10 points, though he had committed 6 turnovers.
Brunson returned to the floor with 6:53 left to play in the period, though he initially remained on the bench; he didn’t appear to have any additional wraps around his ankle.
Brunson checked back into the game with 5:38 left in the third.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen Brunson briefly leaves Knicks’ Game 4 playoff against Hawks
