Jalen Brunson played through a left wrist injury during the New York Knicks’ run to the 2026 NBA championship, choosing to remain on the floor despite the issue. After the season, Brunson underwent surgery on the wrist following a postseason in which he played all 19 games and earned Finals MVP honors.
Speaking on New York Post Sports’ Got Game, Brunson explained why he never considered allowing the injury to keep him out of the Finals.
“I just knew that the opportunity rarely presents itself, you know, to be in a position like that,” Brunson said. “So I just wasn’t going to let something that seemed minor take me out. So, just whatever needed to be done, just focus on it afterwards.”
Brunson’s decision came during the Knicks’ first championship season since 1973. New York finished the regular season 53-29, third in the Eastern Conference, before winning three playoff series to reach the Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.
The 29-year-old guard averaged 32.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists across the five-game Finals. He shot 42.1% from the field, 38.9% from three-point range and 86.0% from the free-throw line while playing 39.2 minutes per game.
His production increased as the series progressed. Brunson scored 30 points in Game 1, 20 in Game 2 and 32 in Game 3 before producing 36 points in Game 4 and a Finals-clinching 45 points in Game 5.
The 45-point performance in Game 5 came on 14-of-27 shooting, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, while Brunson made 13 of 15 free throws. He also recorded three rebounds, three assists and two steals in New York’s 94-90 victory.
Brunson’s postseason numbers reflected his role throughout the championship run. He averaged 28.4 points, 6.1 assists and 3.2 rebounds over 19 games while shooting 46.5% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range.
During the regular season, Brunson averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists in 74 games, earning All-Star and All-NBA Second Team honors. He shot 46.7% from the field, 36.9% from three and 84.1% from the free-throw line.
Brunson was not the only major contributor to New York’s title run. OG Anunoby averaged 20.1 points during the playoffs, Karl-Anthony Towns posted 15.9 points and 10.6 rebounds, and Mikal Bridges averaged 13.5 points while shooting 55.9% from the field.
The Knicks defeated San Antonio 4-1 in the Finals, winning Games 1, 2, 4 and 5. Brunson’s decision to play through the wrist injury ultimately allowed him to remain available for every postseason game before addressing the injury after the championship.
