Jalen Brunson. Image via: Sarah Stier/ Getty ImagesJalen Brunson suffered an apparent right knee injury late in the first quarter of Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, casting an immediate shadow over New York's championship hopes. The play that started it all was almost accidental: Knicks backup Landry Shamet shoved Spurs forward Harrison Barnes, who stumbled backward directly into Brunson's knee. Brunson grabbed at it instantly and looked toward the bench.Jalen Brunson injured in Game 1 against Spurs: what happened and what it means for the KnicksFollowing the injury, Jalen Brunson stayed on the floor through a timeout called by coach Mike Brown with 1:27 remaining in the quarter, then limped down the tunnel toward the Knicks locker room. By that point, San Antonio had already ripped off a 20-3 run in just over five minutes, turning a competitive game into a 27-17 lead. New York's night had gotten a whole lot more complicated.Brunson returned to the bench to start the second quarter and eventually checked back into the game with eight minutes left in the half, still visibly limping before re-entering. He had hit New York's first shot of the night, a three-pointer, but missed all six of his subsequent attempts as the Knicks shot a cold 7-of-20 from the field overall. The knee was clearly a factor, even if Brunson refused to leave the floor entirely.Brunson is not just New York's best player; he is the operating system of everything they do offensively. His outside shooting, his ability to create off the dribble, his physicality driving into the paint, and his composure when defenses collapse on him are all irreplaceable qualities. He finished the regular season averaging 26.0 points, 6.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game on his way to an All-NBA Second Team selection. In the postseason, he has been even sharper, posting 26.9 points and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from three. He won the Eastern Conference Finals MVP award against Cleveland. There is no version of the Knicks winning the title without him.New York does have options in the backcourt depth chart. Jose Alvarado and Miles McBride can absorb minutes and provide energy off the bench, but neither can replicate what Brunson does in the fourth quarter with the ball in his hands and the series on the line.Did Jalen Brunson return to the game? Jalen Brunson headed to the locker room after Game 1 injury against the Spurs. (Image Credit: X/Screenshot)Yes, Brunson did return, checking back in during the second quarter after being evaluated in the locker room. Reports indicated he was being fitted for a knee brace before re-entering the contest. His willingness to play through discomfort is not surprising given his postseason track record, but the brace and the visible limp raised legitimate questions about how much he could actually contribute.Game 2 is Friday night in San Antonio. Whatever Brunson's condition looks like in the next 48 hours will direct the entire complexion of this series, and the Knicks know it better than anyone.