Jalen Brunson has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Clippers, as the Knicks will have to avoid a third straight loss without one of their top contributors.
Brunson, who returned after a two-game absence on Thursday, only to leave with the same foot soreness after the first half, represents a big hole in New York's backcourt, one it will have to find a way to fill in order to keep itself from slipping back down the Eastern Conference standings after a spirited nine-game winning streak.
"It's obviously tough to replace his production," Julius Randle said. "We're up to the task. Right now we gotta find a way to lock in on the defensive end more than anything, and get off to a little bit better starts. Just be a little more consistent on that defensive end throughout the game, so we don't need runs to make up ground. But I feel like we'll be fine."
The Knicks have proven they can win without Brunson in the recent past.
One of the team's best wins of the season came in a double overtime thriller over the Celtics in Boston, when Immanuel Quickley shined in Brunson's place, pouring in 38 points over 55 minutes. But that workload may have taken a toll on Quickley, who has shot just 6-for-27 in the two games since that statement win.
"It's tough," Quickley said. "He's a big part of our team and what we do. He's a leader on and off the floor. Everybody's gotta be a little bit better, bring a little bit more, especially defensively. It's gonna be tough without him."
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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