What happened: New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson underwent surgery to repair his left wrist and forearm. The procedure addresses an injury the unanimous Finals MVP played through to secure the franchise's first title in 53 years.
Why it matters: The revelation adds context to Brunson's lower shooting percentages during the championship series against the San Antonio Spurs. The All-Star captain will need roughly two months of recovery before resuming basketball activities.
By the numbers: Despite the injury to his shooting arm, Brunson averaged 32.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in the Finals. He capped the 4-1 series victory with a 45-point performance on 14-of-27 shooting in the clinching Game 5.
What to watch: Brunson is projected to be fully cleared by September. This timeline puts him on track to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season on October 20.