The New York Knicks can’t catch a break on the injury front. The Knicks’ depth took another hit, with veteran reserve Bojan Bogdanovic leaving Game 4 in the second quarter with a foot injury and being ruled out for the remainder of the game.
New York Knicks Depth Takes Another Hit With Injury To Veteran Forward Who May Have To Undergo Offseason Surgery
New York has four key players who have missed less than 10 games this year. However, the Knicks have also used 26 players, including 19 different starting lineups, as only five team members have appeared in 50+ games.
As well documented, Julius Randle is out for the remainder of the year, and Mitchell Robinson was ruled out for Sunday’s game before tipoff. Robinson, who sustained a sprained ankle to the surgically repaired one in Friday’s night game, was warming up with the team before being ruled out.
Despite being severely shorthanded in the frontcourt, New York won Game 4 97-92 to take a 3-1 series lead back home. Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks with a franchise record of 49 points. Brunson made 18 of 34 shots from the field, though just 2 of 8 from beyond the arc, and 9 of 11 from the free throw line while adding 10 assists.
This is one for the history books: Jalen Brunson officially scored the most points as a @nyknicks in a playoff game with 4️⃣7️⃣ 🔥🔥🔥@BillPidto | @alanhahn | @wallyball pic.twitter.com/P33zGzr7JE
— x – KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) April 28, 2024
With his performance in Game 3 and 4, Brunson became the first Knick to record 30 points and 10 rebounds in back-to-back games.
Jalen Brunson is now the first Knick in franchise history to record 30+ points and 10+ assists in back-to-back playoff games.
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) April 28, 2024
While Brunson was sensational, the Knicks won the game due to their excellent work on the backboard and defensive end. The Knicks held the 76ers to 35.4% from the field and 9 of 33 (27.6%). The Knicks outrebounded the 76ers 52-42, including 15-9 on the offensive end, and blocked 11 shots.
OG Anunoby turned in his best game of the series, compiling 16 points, 14 boards and three blocks. Like Anunoby, Josh Hart played almost the entire game, finishing with 17 caroms and three blocks. Meanwhile, Precious Achiuwa chipped in with seven boards and four blocks.
3-1 going back to NYC 🔒
Brunson 47 PTS | 10 AST
OG 16 PTS | 14 REB
Deuce 13 PTS | 4 REB pic.twitter.com/GpcVBmU3oF— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) April 28, 2024
Bojan Bogdanovic’s Game 4 Injury
Bogdanovic entered the game late in the first quarter. Then, 19 seconds into the second quarter, Philadelphia forward Nicolas Batum went for a loose ball and dove into Bogdanovic, causing him to suffer a left foot contusion. Bogdanovic played a total of 1:11 before getting injured.
Bogdanovic shouldn’t have to miss any time with this recent injury, as a foot contusion generally resolves itself quickly. Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday night.
However, Bogdanovic is also dealing with a sore left wrist, and an MRI revealed ligament damage. The 35-year-old is expected to play through this injury, though he may need surgery this offseason, according to HoopHype’s Michael Scotto.
New York Knicks forward Bojan Bogdanovic underwent an MRI, which showed ligament damage in his left wrist, league sources told @hoopshype. Bogdanovic will play through the wrist injury for the rest of the NBA playoffs and surgery will be a potential option during the offseason.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 28, 2024
It’s unclear when Bogdanovic initially sustained the wrist injury, but he has been wearing a wrap on it since April 7, a week before the regular season ended.
Bogdanovic has struggled this postseason, just like he did since being traded from Detroit. Acquired for his veteran leadership and shooting prowess, he turned in his lowest scoring output with the Knicks since his rookie campaign.
Bogdanovic averages 6.0 points on eight shots per game, shooting just 29.2% from the field this postseason. However, he is making 1.5 3-pointers at a 40% clip and 3.0 rebounds over 12 minutes a game. Defense has never been a strength of his.
Knicks Options With Bogdanovic This Summer
It will be interesting to see if these injuries and Bogdanovic’s lack of production will affect New York’s decision this summer. Only $2 million of Bogdanovic’s $19.03 million deal is guaranteed. The Knicks could either release him or trade him this summer. His deal becomes fully guaranteed on June 28, so expect either move to occur before that date.
The Knicks would get under the salary cap by ridding themselves of Bogdanovic’s contract. However, that won’t last long, as the Knicks will have to sign Anunoby, who will likely receive an extension or opt out of his $19.9 million player option.
