Heat's Mitchell: Brunson Out Makes Knicks Dangerous

Davion Mitchell warned that New York might actually become "a little more dangerous" with Jalen Brunson sidelined by a Grade 1 right-ankle sprain, citing crisper ball movement and offensive rebounding as the Knicks’ new edge. Brunson, who led New York with 28 points and 6.5 assists per game and dropped 31/6 before exiting Wednesday’s loss, is out Friday and will be evaluated daily, leaving Miles McBride and others to pick up playmaking and defense. Merlin sees matchup chess: Miami can chase stops with Mitchell and its perimeter group, but the Knicks’ length and rebounding could punish a Heat squad that keyed on Brunson. Mitchell struggled guarding Brunson before — now he must corral different weapons and limit second-chance looks if Miami wants an edge.