New York, NY – April 6, 2025 – New York Knicks fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief as their star point guard, Jalen Brunson, is poised to make his return to the court after a month-long absence due to a right ankle sprain. The news comes at a crucial juncture for the Knicks as they gear up for the playoffs, and Brunson’s comeback is expected to provide a significant boost to their championship aspirations.
The Timeline of the Injury
The unfortunate incident occurred on March 6th during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Brunson landed awkwardly, resulting in a sprained right ankle that sidelined him for the subsequent 14 games. The initial prognosis was uncertain, leaving fans and the team anxiously awaiting updates on his recovery.
Recovery and Clearance
Following weeks of rehabilitation and treatment, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau delivered encouraging news earlier this week, stating that Brunson had been “cleared for basketball activities.” This marked a significant step in his recovery process, paving the way for his return to practice.
On Friday, Brunson participated in practice with the team at Georgia Tech, signaling that he was nearing full fitness. Teammate Josh Hart offered a positive assessment of Brunson’s performance, remarking that he “looked good” and was back to his usual scoring prowess.
Official Return Date
The moment Knicks fans have been eagerly anticipating is finally on the horizon. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Jalen Brunson is slated to make his return to action on Sunday, April 6th, when the Knicks host the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden.
However, prior to his expected return on Sunday, Brunson was officially listed as questionable for the Knicks’ Saturday afternoon game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Ultimately, he has been ruled out for the Saturday game to ensure he is fully ready for the crucial matchup against the Suns.
Meeting the 65-Game Threshold
Brunson’s impending return also carries significant implications for his eligibility for end-of-season awards. Having appeared in 61 games thus far and logging over 20 minutes in each, he is on the cusp of meeting the NBA’s newly implemented 65-game threshold for award consideration.
With six games remaining on the Knicks’ regular-season schedule, Brunson needs to participate in at least four of those contests to qualify. Assuming he remains healthy after his return against the Suns, he should comfortably surpass this mark, solidifying his case for a potential All-NBA selection for the second consecutive season.
Brunson’s Stellar Season Performance
Prior to his injury, Jalen Brunson was enjoying a phenomenal season, establishing himself as the undisputed leader of the New York Knicks. In 61 games, he has averaged an impressive 26.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and a career-high 7.4 assists per game. His efficiency has also been remarkable, shooting 49.0% from the field and 38.4% from beyond the arc.
Brunson’s offensive prowess and playmaking abilities have been instrumental in the Knicks’ success this season. His high usage rate of 29% underscores his importance to the team’s offensive scheme, and his exceptional 60.6% true shooting percentage highlights his scoring efficiency.
Notably, earlier in the season, Brunson was on pace to become the first player since turnovers were officially tracked in 1977-78 to average at least 25 points and 7 assists per game while keeping his turnovers below 2.5 per contest, a testament to his remarkable ball security and decision-making.
The Knicks’ Performance Without Brunson
In the 14 games Brunson has missed, the Knicks have managed to hold their own, posting a respectable record of 8 wins and 6 losses. This resilience speaks volumes about the depth and determination of the team.
During this stretch, other players have stepped up their game. Mikal Bridges, in particular, has seen an increased offensive role and has flourished, averaging 20 points and 5 assists while shooting efficiently from the field (60% from two-point range and 36% from three-point range). OG Anunoby has also been on a scoring tear, averaging 23 points in Brunson’s absence.
Furthermore, the team’s offensive approach has shifted towards greater ball and player movement, resulting in an improved assist rate. The Knicks’ defense has also shown notable improvement during this period, ranking among the top ten in the league.
Playoff Implications and Team Outlook
With Jalen Brunson’s return imminent, the New York Knicks are well-positioned for the upcoming playoffs. They currently hold the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 48-28, maintaining a comfortable three-game lead over the fourth-place Indiana Pacers.
Brunson’s comeback will undoubtedly inject renewed energy and offensive firepower into the team. His ability to score, create for others, and make clutch plays will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the postseason.
Moreover, the rest he has received during his injury layoff could prove beneficial in the long run, ensuring he is fresh and ready for the rigors of a deep playoff run. The emergence of other players in his absence has also provided the Knicks with increased confidence and a more multifaceted offensive attack.
Other Returning Players
Adding to the positive news surrounding Brunson’s return, coach Thibodeau also indicated that guards Miles McBride and Cam Payne are nearing their own comebacks from injuries. McBride has been sidelined since March 20th due to a left groin contusion, while Payne has been out since March 26th with a right ankle sprain. Their return will further bolster the Knicks’ backcourt depth and provide valuable options off the bench.
Final Stretch of the Regular Season
Following their weekend back-to-back against the Hawks and Suns, the Knicks have four remaining regular-season games:
Tuesday, April 8th: vs. Boston Celtics (Home)
Thursday, April 10th: vs. Detroit Pistons (Away)
Friday, April 11th: vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Home)
Saturday, April 13th: vs. Brooklyn Nets (Away)
This final stretch will provide Brunson with crucial opportunities to reintegrate into the team’s rhythm and shake off any rust before the playoffs commence. It will also allow the coaching staff to fine-tune rotations and strategies with a fully healthy roster.
FAQs
How did the Knicks perform in their recent game against the Atlanta Hawks?
The Knicks secured a 121-105 victory over the Hawks on April 5, 2025, with standout performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby.
What are the Knicks’ current standings in the Eastern Conference?
As of April 5, 2025, the Knicks hold the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 49-28 record.
What is the significance of Brunson meeting the 65-game threshold?
By returning for the game against the Suns, Brunson will meet the 65-game threshold, which is often a criterion for certain postseason awards and contract incentives.
To conclude
Jalen Brunson’s impending return marks a pivotal moment for the New York Knicks as they gear up for the postseason. His presence on the court is expected to enhance the team’s offensive dynamics and provide the leadership necessary for a strong playoff run. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see Brunson back in action, contributing to the Knicks’ pursuit of success in the Eastern Conference.
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