Brunson Returns as Knicks Edge Closer to Playoff Position

NEW YORK — New York Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson made a triumphant return on Sunday after nearly a month-long injury absence, contributing 15 points and six assists in a crucial victory against a struggling opponent. His performance came as the Knicks sought to solidify their playoff status during the final stretch of the NBA season.

Brunson’s outing was not without its challenges; he finished 3-for-9 from the field, including several missed shots that were uncharacteristic for the league leader in clutch points per minute. However, a pivotal 3-pointer with less than two minutes remaining expanded the Knicks’ lead to 10, effectively sealing the game.

“Could be better, could be worse. Definitely a lot of room for improvement on my end,” Brunson remarked. “I’ve never missed this many games because of an injury.”

In his 34 minutes of play, Brunson received considerable support from his teammates, particularly from wing player OG Anunoby, who scored an impressive 32 points, including 19 in a perfect third quarter that saw him go 7-for-7 from the floor. Anunoby’s aggressive style of play has him averaging nearly 24 points per game since Brunson sprained his right ankle last month.

“I don’t want to say [my injury] was a silver lining, but whenever someone goes out, it’s a collective team effort,” Brunson added. “It gives everyone a chance to come together and get better.”

The Knicks appear to have regained their full strength, with Brunson and backup guards back in the rotation, just as they prepare for a challenging week against some of the league’s best teams. The Knicks, currently at 50-28, will host the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, after a road game against the Detroit Pistons.

Brunson adjusted well as the game progressed, showing increased comfort with drawing fouls and absorbing contact, highlighted by an and-1 play during the third quarter. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau commented on Brunson’s adjustment, saying, “Usually what happens when a player comes back is he needs to get a feel, and there’s a different gear to him in the second half.”

With the win, the Knicks inched closer to securing the East’s No. 3 seed, as they strive for back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons. One more victory or a loss by the Indiana Pacers will officially lock in their playoff position.

The victory also pushed the struggling Phoenix Suns (35-43) closer to missing the postseason, as they now find themselves 2½ games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.