Jalen Brunson injury update: Why Knicks star exited in first quarter of Game 2 vs. Pacers

The Knicks' injury bug struck during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Pacers.

Jalen Brunson, who posted stellar offensive numbers through his first seven playoff games in 2024, left the game with an injury with about three minutes remaining in the first quarter.

The Knicks already are without Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson for the rest of the postseason.

New York played without Brunson for the entire second quarter and trailed Indiana by 10 points at halftime. But the 27-year-old guard returned after the break to help his team to a 130-121 win and a 2-0 series lead.

The Sporting News has the latest updates on Brunson's status.

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What is Jalen Brunson's injury?

Brunson left Game 2 late in the first quarter with a sore right foot and was questionable to return, TNT's Chris Haynes reported. He scored eight points before exiting the game.

The Madison Square Garden crowd rejoiced as Brunson emerged from the tunnel after the halftime break. He received "MVP" chants while warming up, and he reentered the game in the third quarter.

Brunson finished with 29 points on 8-of-12 shooting, as well as five assists and two rebounds, in 32 minutes.

When asked after the game about his return to Game 2, Brunson said : "I'm just happy I did, to be honest with you. We found a way, that's it."

And when asked whether he would be ready for Friday's Game 3, he said: "I'm going to try to be."

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Brunson for his fortitude.

"The mental toughness piece is so important," he said after the game . "The ability to get through things, to be at your best when your best is needed even when you may not be feeling your best. That's who he is. Great leader."