Jalen Brunson's fitness has become the defining storyline of the 2026 NBA Finals after the New York Knicks star suffered an apparent knee injury in Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs, casting doubt over whether he will be ready for Game 2.
The Knicks guard, who has been central to their championship push, went down in the opening quarter after grabbing at his knee following contact. Although he initially remained in the game, he was soon seen limping heavily before heading to the locker room for assessment. Brunson later returned to the bench and briefly re-entered the contest, but his movement suggested ongoing discomfort, immediately raising concerns across the Knicks organisation and fanbase about his availability moving forward in the NBA Finals series.
