Jalen Brunson Ankle Injury, Knicks Lose to Warriors

Jalen Brunson’s absence after an ankle injury was laid bare Thursday as the Knicks fell 126-113 to the Warriors. New York lost back-to-back games and three of four without their leading scorer and primary playmaker. OG Anunoby and Miles McBride scored 25 apiece and Mikal Bridges had 21, but Brunson had been leading the team in scoring in their last eight games, and the offense visibly stalled without his ball handling and creation. Merlin sees a team suddenly asking role players to supply the missing spark. The upcoming matchup with the Suns on Saturday will be a quick test of depth and adjustments. If the Knicks move the ball better and share scoring, they can survive short absences. If not, the injury could mark a tougher stretch for New York.