Knicks Stumble in Sacramento as Star Guard Brunson Exits With Ankle Injury

In Wednesday night’s matchup at the Golden 1 Center, Sacramento seized control early and never looked back, fueled by strong scoring from DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine as the Kings secured their third consecutive victory. For New York, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby led the team in scoring but couldn’t offset the absence of Brunson, whose ankle injury forced him out in the first quarter. With concerns growing over his condition and the Knicks’ recent form dipping, the franchise now faces pressing questions about both health and consistency as the season unfolds.

Brunson Forced Out Early Amid Intensity

Jalen Brunson’s night was cut short just over four minutes into the contest when he rolled his right ankle in a non-contact play while dribbling near the three-point line. After attempting to stay in the game briefly, he was ruled out and did not return, with the Knicks later confirming his absence for the remainder of the matchup. The injury not only halted his impressive scoring streak but also left New York without its primary offensive leader early in the Eastern Conference fixture.

The loss of Brunson disrupted the Knicks’ offensive structure, forcing backups into unfamiliar roles and making it difficult for the team to maintain consistent scoring threats. Karl-Anthony Towns, Bridges and Anunoby tried to shoulder the load, but the disruption in ball-handling and playmaking was evident as New York struggled to keep pace with Sacramento’s early momentum.

Kings Capitalize on Home Advantage

Sacramento took early control of the game, dominating the first quarter and maintaining a comfortable lead throughout. DeMar DeRozan led the scoring with 27 points, moving past a notable scoring milestone in the process, while Zach LaVine added 25 to fuel the offensive output. The Kings’ balanced attack and ability to convert from multiple areas on the court kept pressure on the visiting Knicks for all four quarters.

Precious Achiuwa chipped in with a strong double-digit performance, posting 20 points and 14 rebounds, and Russell Westbrook contributed effectively as both a scorer and facilitator. Sacramento’s efficient shooting — particularly inside the arc — contrasted sharply with New York’s struggles from deep, where the Knicks finished with just eight made three-pointers on 41 attempts.

Knicks’ Offense and Recent Woes

For the Knicks, inconsistency on offense continued to be a concern. Despite efforts from Bridges and Anunoby — who scored 19 and 15 points respectively — the team’s shooting percentages were uneven, and the absence of Brunson’s scoring and playmaking was felt in key moments. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 13 points but struggled to find rhythm, going just 6-for-20 from the field.

The defeat marked New York’s sixth loss in eight games, a stretch highlighting both performance lapses and growing turbulence around team health. Coach Mike Brown, in his first return to Sacramento since being fired by the Kings in 2024, will now have to address both injury management and tactical adjustments as the Knicks seek to stabilize their position in the crowded Eastern Conference.

Looking Ahead: Injury Concern and Team Response

The immediate focus for New York shifts to the status of Brunson’s ankle, with the star guard already having experienced prior issues with the same ankle in previous seasons. The Knicks have not yet announced a detailed prognosis, and how long Brunson might be sidelined will be a key factor in their short-term plans.

In Brunson’s absence, other players will need to step up in both scoring and ball-handling roles as the Knicks prepare for upcoming matchups. With their season still holding promise but lacking recent consistency, the team’s ability to adapt without its floor general could have significant implications for their playoff positioning.