Knicks breathe sigh of relief after scary Jalen Brunson injury moment

CLEVELAND — A frightening Jalen Brunson injury was diagnosed Sunday as a “contused” knee following negative X-rays, a comforting diagnosis considering the sight of the team’s star being helped off the court without the use of his left leg.

Brunson, the point guard who held the Knicks together all season, rose for a jumper and appeared to be in pain as he lifted off, landing with shock and discomfort on his face before throwing up an airball just 47 seconds into a 107-98 victory over the Cavs.

“Anytime someone goes down like that you have concern, but then he felt a little better, he had the X-rays, he was examined by the doctors and so that news is good,” coach Tom Thibodeau said.

Asked if Brunson will undergo an MRI exam, Thibodeau said, “They just did X-ray, everything was negative.

“I guess [it’s possible that he plays Tuesday against the Hawks]. It’s a knee contusion and everything was negative so we’ll see where he is [Monday].”

Brunson knocked knees during an offensive possession in that opening minute, according to Thibodeau, but it’s unclear exactly how that happened.