New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson played again on Sunday, scoring 15 points in a 112-98 win against the Phoenix Suns. This was his first game back after missing a month because of a sprained right ankle.
Brunson had been cleared to practice before last Wednesday`s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He practiced on Friday before the Saturday game against the Atlanta Hawks. Although he didn`t play in Atlanta, he was back on the court at Madison Square Garden against the Suns. He had been out for 15 games due to his ankle injury.
Coach Tom Thibodeau played Brunson a lot in his return, giving him 34 minutes. Brunson made 3 of 9 shots from the field, including 1 of 4 three-pointers. He also made 8 of 10 free throws and had six assists.
OG Anunoby was the top scorer for the Knicks with 32 points, making 13 of 17 shots. Mikal Bridges added 22 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Suns.
This was Brunson`s 62nd game of the season, and he has played at least 20 minutes in every game he`s played. If he stays healthy for the rest of the season, he should play enough games to be considered for end-of-season NBA awards.
The Knicks have four games left in their schedule. They will play Boston at home on Tuesday, followed by games against Detroit and Cleveland, and will finish the season against Brooklyn next Sunday.
If Brunson plays in 65 games, he is likely to be chosen for an All-NBA team for the second year in a row. This season, he is averaging 26.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in about 35 minutes per game.
Without Brunson, the Knicks had a 9-6 record and are currently 50-28 for the season. They are third in the Eastern Conference and are comfortably ahead of the Indiana Pacers.
Miles McBride also returned to the Knicks` lineup on Sunday after missing games due to injury, scoring eight points. Cameron Payne had returned in the previous game after his own injury.
With the playoffs coming soon, this is a good time for Brunson and the team to get ready.
Jasper Hawthorne