Well, after struggling through what is perhaps the NBA’s worst month regarding the product on the floor, we have finally made it to April. Tanking, players resting, and a general malaise from the end of an 82-game regular season results in a rough stretch for NBA fans throughout March. While the campaign’s final two weeks could be more of the same, we are now in the month when the playoffs will begin.
The New York Knicks enter April with a 47-27 record, their best through 74 games since posting a 48-26 mark in 2012-13. Despite Jalen Brunson‘s injury, the team’s struggles against top squads, and a general discontent within the fanbase, New York has had a phenomenal season. They have the league’s fifth-best record, seventh-best net rating, and have essentially locked up the East’s third seed. Without much on the line over the final eight games, what should Knicks fans look for as the playoffs approach?
Knicks April Storylines With 8 Games Remaining
Jalen Brunson Appears Ready to Return Soon
On Sunday, Jalen Brunson confirmed he had been cleared for basketball activities and will look to return to full practice any day now. The Knicks feel confident he will appear in game action before the end of the regular season. Brunson could use a few chances to play NBA-level competition before the playoffs start to shake off rust. The superstar guard is also just four games short of the 65-game minimum eligibility for NBA awards. While not the most important priority here, he would likely be forgoing an All-NBA second-team selection as well as Clutch Player of the Year honors if he fails to play in four more contests.
Jalen Brunson has been cleared to participate in basketball activities pic.twitter.com/AvkDBjxz4M
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 30, 2025
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The bottom line is this: if NY cannot get their captain back at full strength by the postseason, they are drawing dead to make a deep run. They’ve shown positive signs without him as others have stepped up, but the Knicks are much closer to an average team without Brunson than a true contender. If he is able to return healthy, his injury could be a blessing in disguise. It allowed Brunson to get off his feet for a month, as well as giving lesser players a chance.
Other Players Finding Their Rhythm in Brunson’s Absence
As mentioned earlier, there are some positives to Brunson’s injury. He’s a special offensive player, but tends to be ball dominant as New York’s offense runs entirely through him at times. Since he’s left the lineup, several guys have benefitted from the increased opportunities. Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Miles McBride have all thrived with the ball in their hands since their leader was hurt.
Since March 7th (day after Brunson’s injury), Bridges is averaging 22.2 points and 5.2 assists on 63.9% true shooting. Anunoby has also been stellar, averaging 22.5 points on 60% true shooting. Over the past five games, Anunoby has given the Knicks 29 points a night on an absurd 72.4% true shooting. Both he and Bridges have had a chance to showcase their on-ball capabilities and have thrived doing so. They’re getting to the rim more without Brunson controlling the half-court offense. New York needs to allow their wing tandem to continue being aggressive even when he returns.
Drives per game over the Knicks’ first 62 games of the season:
OG Anunoby: 5.1
Mikal Bridges: 5.2Drives per game over the past 12 games (since the Brunson injury):
OG Anunoby: 8.3
Mikal Bridges: 11.5— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) March 31, 2025
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McBride is currently sidelined with a groin strain, but should be back very soon. He’s also provided a spark in his seven games as starting point guard. Rookie Tyler Kolek and veteran Delon Wright have also gotten opportunities and given Tom Thibodeau some quality minutes.
Knicks-Bucks is the Likely First-Round Matchup
With the Knicks four games clear of Indiana (and holding the tiebreaker), it appears they will be the third seed. Milwaukee has fallen 1.5 games behind Detroit for fifth and lost Damian Lillard last week. Short of a Giannis Antetokounmpo frenzy, New York should expect to face the Bucks in the first round. The Knicks likely love this outcome, as they’ve dominated the Bucks this year in all three games. NY has won the three matchups by nine, 22, and 34.
© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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