The New York Knicks were in free fall just under a month ago. They’d been repeatedly embarrassed by the league’s best teams and felt like they were disappointing the loyal fanbase who had such high expectations for this team. Then, on March 6th against the Lakers, their heart and soul suffered a scary ankle injury. Jalen Brunson, who had been matching buckets with Luka Doncic and LeBron James all night, went up for a contested floater and came down on the foot of Austin Reaves.
At the time, the injury looked so gruesome as the ankle bent almost down to the floor. Brunson is one of the toughest players in the NBA, so to see him limp off the to locker room without a thought of staying in was a bad sign. Luckily, his rehab has gone well and the Knicks avoided disaster.
Jalen Brunson Targeting Weekend Return
Now, as the Knicks enter the final stretch of their season, Brunson appears to be about ready to return. Last Sunday, he told reporters he’s resumed basketball activities and will begin practicing. Just two days later, SNY’s Ian Begley reports that New York’s captain is looking to take the court this weekend. NY plays at Atlanta on Saturday and hosts Phoenix on Sunday.
“I think based on the trajectory and everything that’s gone on here, the weekend is a realistic landing spot for Brunson and his return – that Atlanta game, that Phoenix game”@IanBegley reports from MSG on Jalen Brunson’s return timeline and Mitchell Robinson’s big night: pic.twitter.com/emsnaoVf01
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 2, 2025
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This Early Return Gives Brunson Time Before Playoffs
As long as Brunson is truly healthy by this weekend, this could not be better news for the Knicks. Their worn-down leader was able to get a month off his feet and take a break from basketball while rehabbing his ankle. For as heavy a load as he was carrying offensively for the entire season, and the consistently high minutes he played while only missing one game, Brunson needed some time off before the playoffs.
It’s also perfect that he’s able to come back with a week left in the season to get a few games under his belt before intense playoff basketball. New York cannot go anywhere without their best player at his best from Game 1 of the first round. If he can get around four or five games in, it could work wonders for the Knicks. Brunson should be able to get back in shape and shake off the rust from missing a month of action. Everyone involved with the team must hope his ankle is back to 100 percent, or else he’s risking re-injury.
He Should Be Eligible For All-NBA Honors
The cherry on top of this excellent report is that it appears that Brunson will be able to meet the 65-game mark to be eligible for NBA awards. While his month-long absence likely removes him from receiving MVP votes, Brunson is in line to receive two distinctions. He is the favorite to win Clutch Player of the Year despite missing the last 13 games because of his mind-boggling late-game performances all season long.
More importantly, NY’s lead man is positioned well to be selected for an All-NBA spot. It would likely be a second-team selection, but his injury could slide him down to third-team. Whichever the case, earning All-NBA honors is a huge boost for a player’s legacy and Hall of Fame credentials. Brunson projects to be a fringe Hall of Famer due to his late NBA start, so these accolades are crucial. Lastly, New York’s superstar simply deserves to be recognized as an All-NBA player. He’s been a top-10 guy in the league all year and should be credited as such.
Photo credit: © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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