Brunson Says Wrist Surgery Is Not Affecting His Shooting

Jalen Brunson rejected the suggestion that surgery on his left wrist was behind his early-season shooting struggles, saying the procedure was not affecting him. The Knicks captain spoke to reporters on November 4, about a week and a half into the team’s title defense.

Brunson had surgery on July 7 to repair a tendon that moved over a bone when he shot. He received medical clearance near the end of September, shortly before training camp. Before the season, he said the procedure had restricted how many shots he could take during the summer.

Through six games, Brunson was making 39.5 percent of his shots from the field and 32.5 percent from three-point range, both career lows. He had a standout performance on October 28 in Chicago, scoring a season-high 38 points while shooting 52 percent overall and 60 percent from beyond the arc.

After that game, Brunson acknowledged that the slump had affected his mindset. He said seeing his shots go in helped quiet the doubts. But the strong outing has not yet brought consistent results: New York is 3-4, ranks 22nd in offense, and Brunson has made five of 13 shots in clutch situations.

Brunson played through the wrist problem during the Knicks’ title run and has not cited it as an explanation for his current form. His shooting will remain a focus as New York continues its season.