Knicks’ Jalen Brunson returns to Game 2 after first-half injury scare

On the 54th anniversary of Willis Reed limping out of the MSG tunnel and playing in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Lakers, here came Jalen Brunson out of the locker room tunnel to add to his mounting legend status Wednesday night to chants of “MVP” at the Garden.

The uneasiness was palpable when the emerging superstar point guard did not return for the second quarter of Game 2 of the Knicks-Pacers series, but Brunson was back on the court to start the third quarter with the Knicks trailing by 10 at halftime.

He led the way with 29 points as the Knicks took Game 2 over the Pacers, 130-121 .

Brunson added five assists, three steals and two rebounds.

Knicks’ lineup options to replace injured OG Anunoby’s production

He appeared to come up hobbling without being contacted by anyone on the Pacers while trailing T.J. McConnell across the defensive paint with around 3:45 left in the second period, and he signaled the Knicks’ bench that he needed to come off as he limped up the court.

Previously, Brunson also appeared to injure his left wrist or hand in a collision with Andrew Nembhard barely two minutes into the game.

Knicks’ dogged mentality has prepared them for new injury adversity

He departed with about 3:30 four minutes remaining in the first quarter, but the team announced before halftime that Brunson was questionable to return with a sore right foot.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR STARTING LINEUP NEWSLETTER

Brunson, who became the fourth player in NBA history with four consecutive playoff games with 40 or more points with 43 in Game 1, had five points including a 3-pointer before leaving the game.

Miles McBride played the entire second quarter in Brunson’s place.

Miles McBride played all but the final 44 seconds of the second quarter in Brunson’s absence, when Alec Burks came in to make his 2024 postseason debut.

For the latest in sports, top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com/sports/