Jalen Brunson injury scare in NBA Finals Game 1 raises concern for Knicks

The 2026 NBA Finals tipped off with high intensity in Game 1 at the Frost Bank Center, where the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs are battling for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Star point guard Jalen Brunson appeared to suffer a knee injury during the first quarter, forcing him to leave the court as the team awaited further evaluation. Broadcast footage showed Brunson grabbing his knee and limping as he headed toward the locker room.

However, the initial scare eased as Brunson returned to the game in the second quarter and was able to continue playing. The Knicks star not only came back but played a key role in the contest, although he was seen dealing with some discomfort.

While his ability to return is an encouraging sign, his condition remains under observation, and it is still unclear whether the issue could affect his performance moving forward.

The Knicks ultimately secured a 105–95 victory on the road, closing the game with authority in the final minutes after a tightly contested fourth quarter. New York pulled away late with a decisive run, seizing control of the series and stealing home-court advantage to open the Finals.

Related stories

NBA Finals 2026

Knicks move within three victories from historic title

NBA

Why the Mavs and Stars are leaving the AAC and what it means for Dallas

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.