Knicks lose Brunson to knee injury in win over Cavs

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson was forced to exit Sunday's victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a sore left knee.

He didn't return.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters postgame that Brunson suffered a knee contusion and that his X-rays were negative, according to The Athletic's Fred Katz.

The All-Star point guard appeared to land awkwardly on his left leg 30 seconds into the game after coming around a screen for a mid-range jumper over Isaac Okoro.

Brunson immediately reached for his leg and had to be helped off the floor.

The 27-year-old is having a career campaign, averaging 27.7 points and 6.7 assists while knocking down 40.7% of his 3-pointers. Brunson was named to his first All-Star Game earlier this season.

New York entered Sunday's matchup missing three of its core players: OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson.

Despite all their injuries, the Knicks managed to beat the Cavaliers 107-98.

Donte DiVincenzo took on the scoring load without Brunson, pouring in 28 points on 11-of-22 from the field. Bojan Bogdanovic added 20 of his own. Brunson's former Villanova teammate, Josh Hart, had a triple-double with 13 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists.

The 36-25 Knicks sit fourth in the Eastern Conference.

New York will play the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.