Jalen Brunson has been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks, progressing exactly one week after suffering a Grade 1 right ankle sprain in a loss to the Orlando Magic.

Brunson has missed two games — both against the Miami Heat — and the typical 1–3 week recovery window for a Grade 1 sprain suggests he may be ahead of schedule. He participated in pregame shooting on Monday in Miami and showed no visible limp, a positive step as he continues the team’s five-game road trip.

New York Knicks Feel Jalen Brunson’s Absence

Miles McBride has started the last two games at point guard, scoring nine points in the first outing and 25 in Monday’s loss. Josh Hart has also taken on additional ball-handling duties, logging his two highest-minute games of the season.

The Knicks’ late-game execution suffered Monday without Brunson, the reigning Clutch Player of the Year. New York missed potential tying or go-ahead looks in the final seconds as McBride and Karl-Anthony Towns couldn’t convert.

The team is also without OG Anunoby, who strained his left hamstring Friday and will be re-evaluated in roughly two weeks. Losing Anunoby has further strained New York’s rotation — the Knicks’ defensive rating jumps from 106.4 with him on the floor to 120.7 when he sits.

Debate Over Why Jalen Brunson Was Still Playing

Brunson’s injury has fueled questions among fans about why he remained in the game against Orlando while the Knicks trailed by double digits with under two minutes remaining.

Head coach Mike Brown said he was “trying to win the game” and mentioned the possibility of “crazy comebacks,” a contrast to his preseason comments emphasizing better minute management and avoiding unnecessary risks.

Brunson hurt the same ankle late last season, missing 15 games despite an initial two-week timetable. The Knicks stayed competitive during that stretch, but his absence remains difficult to replicate.

Brunson averages 28.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, and New York’s offensive rating drops from 123.1 with him to 115.0 without him.

The Knicks, now 8-5, face Dallas, Orlando, Brooklyn, and Charlotte on this road trip — a stretch they hope to navigate without falling in the standings as they await Brunson and Anunoby’s return.

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