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4d ago

Jalen Brunson Cleared to Play Christmas Day vs. Cavaliers

His return follows Mike Brown’s push to manage his workload more carefully.

Dec 25, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) is guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the first half at Madison Square Garden.
Dec 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) drives past Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) in the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Brunson missed Tuesday’s loss at Minnesota for right ankle injury management, and neither he nor OG Anunoby appeared on Thursday’s injury report after Anunoby’s recent left ankle soreness.
  • Mike Brown has spoken about reducing Brunson’s minutes and emphasized the guard’s broader impact in ongoing MVP discussions.
  • Brunson has been on a scoring surge, including 47 points against Miami, while averaging 36.8 minutes over his last nine games plus 41 in the NBA Cup Final.
  • With Brunson out in Minnesota, Tyler Kolek made his first start and delivered 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, a performance noted as potentially easing the search for a backup point guard.
  • Cleveland enters short-handed with Evan Mobley and Max Strus ruled out and Larry Nance Jr. sidelined by a calf injury.