"Why are they having floor issues?" - Knicks fans raise concerns with weak court spot after Jalen Brunson injures ankle

Jalen Brunson gave New York Knicks fans a scare during Game 5 of their first-round matchup against the Detroit Pistons Tuesday night, after appearing to twist his right ankle when he stepped into a soft spot on the Madison Square Garden court. Despite the incident, Brunson logged 36 minutes in the Knicks' 106-103 defeat.

The incident raised questions about the condition of the court at MSG, a venue that hosts roughly 320 events annually, as fans worried over the potential risk to their franchise star. Brunson ended the night with 16 points on just 4-of-16 shooting, along with seven assists.

Concerned Knicks supporters vented their frustration on X (formerly Twitter).

“Aww damn weak spot on the floor. TF goin on at the Garden I thought the rangers missed the playoffs why they having floor issues?” one said.

“MSG charging 500$ a ticket but can’t keep our players safe?? The f**k is this,” another said.

“WTF OUR OWN COURT IS RIGGING IT,” another added.

Brunson missed four weeks in March due to a right ankle injury, before returning to play in four of New York’s last five regular-season games. He entered Game 5 listed as questionable due to the same ankle.

“Please go back to our regular colors on the floor and regular uniforms. You can’t change tradition,” another fan said.

“Yea we needa stop sharing an arena with a hockey rink,” another said.

Meanwhile, physical therapist and sports injury expert Dr. Evan Jeffries voiced his concern and pointed to the risks of repeat ankle issues:

“This is like the THIRD time Jalen Brunson has aggravated his right ankle in THIS series," he tweeted. "Once an ankle is sprained ligaments are ‘laxed’ and you risks further sprains.”

Jalen Brunson says ankle is ‘all good’ ahead of Game 6

With the Knicks leading the series 3-2, Game 6 will head back to Detroit on Thursday, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Following the game, Jalen Brunson addressed the injury scare and reassured fans that he’s ready to go.

Brunson has been the Knicks’ engine this postseason, putting up averages of 29.8 points, 8.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game.

His status is critical, especially considering his last two outings in Detroit, where he dropped 30 and 32 points and averaged 10.0 assists.