By admin 
For all intents and purposes, New York Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson looked as well as he could be during the 2026 postseason. After all, he was the tip of the spear that pierced the Cleveland Cavaliers and swept them in the Eastern Conference Finals and the blade that tore the San Antonio Spurs apart in the NBA Finals.
From draining long 3-pointers to making floaters against the Spurs’ defensive lynchpin Victor Wembanyama, Brunson showed no signs of injury or weakness in their remarkable run to the title. However, it wouldn’t be until all the celebration had died down that everyone learned that the former Villanova Wildcat had powered through a painful wrist and hand injury. It was an injury that was so severe that Jalen needed to undergo surgery on July 7 to repair it.
Speaking to the “New York Got Game” podcast, the 2026 NBA Finals MVP was asked whether he thought about how much he added to his legend by playing through an injury to his dominant shooting hand. His response spoke volumes about Brunson’s focus on giving New York City a title for the first time in over five decades.
Didn’t think much of it
According to a report by the New York Post, Brunson’s injury was no ordinary ailment, as the tendon rubbed against a bone in his left wrist every time he shot the ball, causing him immense pain.
The malady began in the East Finals and got worse with each passing game. However, the veteran guard knew what the stakes were and kept mum about it. JB didn’t mention it or make it an excuse when he shot 19-for-56 in the first two games of the finals.
Instead, Brunson pushed through, did what he could to mitigate the pain and deliver results for the Knicks and their long-starved faithful.
“I just knew that the opportunity rarely presents itself, you know, to be in a position like that,” Brunson
“So I just wasn’t going to let something, um, that seemed minor, um, take me out.”
“So, uh, just whatever needed to be done, just, uh, just focus on it afterwards,” he added.
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After shaky performances in the series’ first two games, including a horrendous 7-for-25 night in Game 2, Brunson refocused and stepped his game up, averaging 37.7 points per game in the series’ last three games, including an incredible 45-point showing in the close-out Game 5.
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Brunson is being patient with it
After initially being in a sling after the surgery and later on, a cast, Brunson hasn’t been able to do much on the basketball front. While other teams and their players are gearing up to knock the Knicks off their perch, Jalen has had to keep his cool and remain patient while his wrist and hand heal.
With the recovery timeline set for six to eight weeks, Brunson is expected to be a full participant in the Knicks’ upcoming training camp. He admitted, though, that staying patient has undoubtedly tested his resolve.
“It’s reminded me a lot about patience, for sure. 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,” he stated.
With numerous East teams loading up, having Brunson back healthy is a must for the Knicks if they hope to defend their title next season.
Related: “Fireworks for sure” – Jalen Brunson is excited to open 2026/27 season vs. LeBron James and the new-look Philadelphia 76ers
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This story was originally published August 12, 2026 at 12:33 AM.