"Every Knicks fan holding their breath": Fans fearful as Jalen Brunson grimaces in pain during Tyrese Haliburton confrontation at WWE Smackdown

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson made a surprise appearance at WWE Smackdown on Friday with a surprise confrontation with Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. However, an instance during the event had fans concerned about a possible injury.

Jalen Brunson, as he was called out by Haliburton, who walked out with Logan Paul, entered the cage and engaged in a staredown. However, after went up the ring, he seemed to grimace in pain and shook his hand.

Fans took to Twitter to share their concern about Brunson, as he broke his left hand in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they lost against Haliburton’s Pacers.

“Every Knicks fan holding their breath watching Jalen Brunson look at that left hand,” said X (formerly Twitter) user @JeffEisenband.

Knicks fan @JustinTalksBall also said Brunson’s grimacing worried him, saying:

“JALEN BRUNSON GRIMACED WHILE CLIMBING ON TO THE RING USING HIS LEFT HAND. THAT WORRIES ME SEVERELY!”

User @joebaileysports said the Knicks management probably watched Brunson’s WWE appearance in panic.

“Remember Jalen Brunson broke his hand last month...Knicks management has to be watching in panic as he flexes his left hand (the one he broke) as he gets in ring,” he said.

Here are other reactions to Brunson grimacing in pain:

Fans react to Brunson grimacing in pain after making his WWE Smackdown appearance

Jalen Brunson tells fans his hand is okay

Shortly after the incident, Brunson reassured fans that his hand was fine.

In a post on X, the Knicks star said:

“Just lived out a childhood dream and yes the hand is fine lol y’all can relax 😂.

Brunson had surgery to repair the broken left hand he sustained during the Knicks’ loss in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

In that game, he scored a postseason-low 17 points. Throughout this year's playoffs, he scored at least 40 points five times, averaging 32.4 points, 7.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds over 13 games.

Brunson will play a crucial role in the Knicks' lineup next season as they aim for greater success in the Eastern Conference.

To strengthen their wing rotation, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic, unprotected first-round picks in 2025, 2027, 2029, and 2031, a protected 2025 Milwaukee first-round pick, a 2028 unprotected pick swap and a 2025 second-round pick.

Additionally, the Knicks and OG Anunoby agreed to a five-year, $212.5 million deal on Wednesday, two days after he opted out of the final year of his existing contract.