Jalen Brunson Nearing Return After Ankle Injury, Hopes to Play Before Playoffs
The New York Knicks have been anxiously awaiting the return of their star point guard, Jalen Brunson, after he suffered an ankle injury earlier this month. Now, as the calendar flips toward April, there is finally some encouraging news regarding his status.
Brunson, a two-time All-Star and the heart of the Knicks’ offense, spoke with reporters on Sunday and provided a significant update on his recovery process. According to The Athletic’s Fred Katz, Brunson has officially been cleared to resume basketball activities, a crucial step in his rehabilitation.
Brunson Sets Sights on a Return Before Playoffs
While Brunson did not specify an exact date for his return to game action, he did express optimism about rejoining the team before the postseason begins on April 19. “Realistically hoping to play before the playoffs,” Brunson stated, hinting at a possible comeback in the final stretch of the regular season.
The injury occurred on March 6 during an overtime matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. As Brunson attempted a contested layup, he landed awkwardly, severely rolling his right ankle. The sight of him writhing in pain immediately sent shockwaves through the Knicks organization and fanbase, as his absence created a major void in the team’s offensive production.
Knicks Struggling Without Their Star Playmaker
Since losing Brunson, the Knicks have managed to maintain a respectable record, going 6-5 in his absence. However, their offense has noticeably suffered without their floor general orchestrating plays. Before the injury, Brunson was having a career-best season, averaging 26.3 points and 7.4 assists per game while serving as the team’s primary scoring and playmaking option.
Although the Knicks have found ways to win without him, their chances of making a deep playoff run hinge heavily on Brunson’s availability and effectiveness upon his return. New York has aspirations of contending in the Eastern Conference, but without their star guard at full strength, those hopes would be significantly diminished.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on Brunson’s progress in the coming weeks. If he can return before the playoffs and regain his rhythm, the Knicks could enter the postseason as a formidable threat. For now, the organization and fans alike remain hopeful that Brunson’s recovery continues without setbacks, allowing him to lead New York on a potential postseason run.
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