The New York Knicks are clearly missing Jalen Brunson’s impact on the court.
The injury to Jalen Brunson has capped the New York Knicks potential over the past few weeks. He suffered an injury in the loss to the Lakers, a game now notorious for LeBron James’ courtside confrontation with Stephen A. Smith.
Over the past 10 games the New York Knicks are 5-5, a creditable record considering, but at times it has felt worse than that.
Losses include a depressing defeat at the Hornets, and the past night, getting blown away in their own building by the resurgent LA Clippers.
Jalen Brunson’s absence felt glaring against the star-led Clippers, with Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby missing Brunson’s impact alongside them.
Jalen Brunson is ramping up
There could be good news ahead for the the New York Knicks, with Jalen Brunson getting closer to making his comeback.
Speaking on NBA Today on ESPN, insider Tim MacMahon dropped an update on what he has been hearing about Brunson’s recovery.
He said: “It’s my understanding Brunson will be back before the playoffs.
“He will be able to get a few games under his belt, probably at least four I would say.”
Four games would be enough to take Brunson to 65 for the season, making him eligible for All-NBA selection.
The hope was always that Brunson would be back for the playoffs, but with the time getting nearer, fans are getting more and more nervous.
MacMahon has been recently recounting Brunson’s move to the Knicks and his exit from Dallas, as a chapter in his book on Luka Doncic.
Jalen Brunson in his own words
Jalen Brunson then provided his own update via The Roommates podcast, admitting it has been a challenging recovery.
He said: “I’m feeling better, walking, I’m out the boot, officially I know that Thibs said that in the press recently they are just doing everything to get back 100 per cent, just working my way – but it’s been kind of terrible.
“Sometimes you think you are making strides and you think you can do more, and there’s something limiting you, but for the most part I’m happy to see the progress of where I’m at.
“I think that’s promising.”
Knicks position heading into final games
The New York Knicks are third in the Eastern Conference with a 44-27 record, and will be looking to hold onto that spot.
The Indiana Pacers had been surging with five straight victories, before losing by a single point at home to the Lakers.
Brunson’s return will be focused on him getting back up to speed as a runway ahead of the playoffs, but the Knicks will still need to get wins secured during their final run.
