Jalen Brunson Leaves Knicks Game After Sideline Encounter

It has been a painful evening for the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors.

Mar 27, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (1) dribbles the ball against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

A fan sitting courtside at Scotiabank Arena got a little more than they bargained for when the New York Knicks came to town.

Knicks star Jalen Brunson left Monday's game in Ontario with an ankle injury endured under bizarre circumstances: after putting up a three in the third quarter, Brunson appeared to make conract with a fan in courtside seating, causing him to hobble his way back up the court.

View the moment of contact here, courtesy of KnicksMuse on X.

The point guard was forced to visit the locker room but eventually returned to the New York bench. He had no apparent bandage and eventually re-entered the game with five minutes remaining. He capped off a 20-point, 11-assist night in style, earning a successful four-point play that gave the Knicks a late lead. It was part of a 12-4 New York run to close the game, one that eventually created a final 113-108 margin.

It was a painful night for headliners on both sides: Raptors star Scottie Barnes left the game during third quarter action after a collision with Karl-Anthony Towns. Per video from Toronto Star Sports, head coach Darko Rajakovic, initial x-rays on Barnes were negative with further tests to come.

The Knicks (15-9) return to action on Wednesday when they engage the Atlanta Hawks in NBA Cup quarterfinal action (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).

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