New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson discussed playing through a left wrist injury during the team's NBA Finals victory, an injury that required a subsequent procedure.
Brunson shared details of his recovery in an interview on The Post's "New York Got Game" show, stating he was determined not to let the injury impact the Knicks' championship aspirations. "I just knew that the opportunity rarely presents itself to be in a position like that," Brunson said at his "Jalen Brunson Charity Golf Classic," which benefits his "Second Round Foundation." "So I just wasn’t going to let something that seemed minor take me out. Just [do] whatever needed to be done, [then] focus on it afterwards."
He underwent a minor procedure to repair a tendon issue in his left wrist and hand early last month. The pain, he explained, occurred when his natural shooting motion caused the tendon to rub against the bone in his wrist. This discomfort began during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Cavaliers, and he continued to play through it for the entirety of the NBA Finals against the Spurs.
Despite the injury, Brunson maintained a high level of performance during the Finals, averaging 32.6 points and 4.6 assists per game. In the decisive Game 5, he scored 45 points, contributing significantly to the Knicks' victory, which marked their first championship since 1973. He was subsequently named Finals MVP.
Since the operation, Brunson has been observed wearing a sling and more recently a cast. The typical recovery timeline for such a procedure is six to eight weeks, indicating he is expected to be ready for the start of training camp in September.
"It’s reminded me a lot about patience, for sure," Brunson commented on his recovery. "But it’s a steady process and it’s something that, honestly, it is what it is. It’s something I attack every day. Just find a way to continue to improve."