The New York Knicks have maintained their competitiveness while Jalen Brunson recovered from an ankle sprain sustained on March 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers. They have a 7-5 record without their All-Star point guard and are working to secure the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, facing pressure from the Indiana Pacers.
Brunson announced on Sunday that he has been given the green light to resume basketball activities. He is aiming to play again before the regular season concludes, hoping to get back on the court within the next couple of weeks.
`My goal is to play some games before the playoffs,` Brunson stated. `I believe it would be beneficial to get some playing time in before the high-stakes atmosphere of the playoffs. Most importantly, I want to ensure I am completely healthy.`
The Knicks, with a 47-27 record, have been dealing with several injuries during Brunson`s absence. Key backup guards Cameron Payne and Deuce McBride are also currently injured, leading to increased roles for veteran Delon Wright and rookie Tyler Kolek. While both have performed admirably, Brunson is crucial to New York`s playoff aspirations. He has consistently performed at an All-NBA level in his seasons with New York and has been a standout performer in past playoff series for the Knicks.
Over 24 playoff games with New York, Brunson has averaged 30.3 points per game, helping the Knicks reach the second round in the last two seasons. Following offseason acquisitions, the Knicks are focused on contending for a championship both this season and in the near future.
Considering the team`s strategic adjustments to build around key players, a dominant Brunson remains essential for their playoff success. If he can return to action before the end of the regular season, it is hoped he will be in peak condition when the playoffs begin.
After their game on Sunday against Portland, the Knicks have eight regular season games remaining before the start of the postseason.
Jasper Hawthorne