NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson anticipated that his conditioning might not be at its best, but he hoped his performance would exceed expectations.
Upon his return to the court, the New York Knicks secured a victory, which, in the end, was the most important aspect for Brunson.
In his first game since suffering a right ankle sprain a month ago, the All-Star point guard contributed 15 points and six assists, helping the Knicks triumph over the Phoenix Suns 112-98 on Sunday night.
“There’s definitely plenty of room for improvement on my part, but I’m pleasantly surprised about my conditioning,” Brunson remarked. “I expected it to be much worse, but it turned out better than I anticipated.”
Brunson sat out 15 games after injuring himself late in a defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 6. He fully practiced with the Knicks for the first time since his setback last Friday and was cleared to play again on Sunday following a pregame session at Madison Square Garden.
In 34 minutes, he shot only 3 for 9 from the floor, but his 10 points in the second half included a crucial 3-pointer with 1:44 remaining when the Suns had clawed back to within seven points.
JALEN BRUNSON IS CLUTCH.pic.twitter.com/aW99cJ3GH3
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks)April 7, 2025
“Typically, when a player returns, they need a bit of time to readjust to the game,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau explained. “Then there’s usually a moment or two when they get tested, and once they realize they’re okay, they hit their stride. I thought he found another gear in the second half.”
Brunson, however, felt he hadn’t quite achieved what he wanted. “I always expect to find my rhythm, regardless of the circumstances,” he admitted. When asked if he managed to do so on Sunday, he replied, “No, I didn’t find my rhythm at all. I hope to next game.”
Yet, Brunson recognized that returning to play encompasses more than just physical comfort after what he described as the longest injury absence of his career.
“People often focus on the physical aspect, how you’re feeling, but mentally it’s also crucial to trust yourself,” Brunson said. “Trusting your movements, your gameplay, and not second-guessing yourself is vital.”
Backup point guard Deuce McBride also made his return after missing eight games due to a groin injury, scoring eight points and helping to bolster the Knicks’ lineup as they approach the final week of the regular season.
They managed a 9-6 record without their captain, maintaining their position in third place in the Eastern Conference. Sunday’s win marked their second consecutive 50-win season, a feat the Knicks hadn’t accomplished since achieving it for four straight years from 1991-92 to 1994-95.
In the final week of the regular season, they will face Boston and Cleveland, the top two teams in the East standings, along with the Detroit Pistons, a potential playoff matchup in the first round.
Perhaps the time spent without Brunson has prepared the Knicks for the challenges ahead.
“Obviously, being above .500 is a positive,” he noted regarding their record during his absence, “and I believe we’ve made some significant progress.”
