Injured New York Knicks All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson revealed on Sunday that he has resumed basketball activities for the first time since spraining his ankle on March 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Feeling better. Progressing every day,” Brunson said (h/t SNY). “That’s just my goal for the next upcoming days.”
While there is no target date — nor any clarification specifics that constitute basketball activities — he is hoping to get back on the floor before the playoffs.
“I think it’s good for me to get some game reps before we go into that type of stretch run,” Brunson continued. “Most importantly, I want to make sure I’m 100% healthy.”
There is little margin for setbacks, though. The regular season ends in just two weeks, and the Knicks’ hopes of a deep playoff run appear to hinge solely on his availability.
Without their All-Star point guard, the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference has treaded water for most of the time. They are 7-5 in the last 12 games without him, though they have won four of their last five — though this has been a softer stretch of their schedule with matchups against the lowly Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, and Portland Trail Blazers.
“It sucks. It’s not fun,” Brunson said. “I really wish I was out there.”
Brunson’s absence is just one part of a complicated backcourt situation that also includes injuries to Miles McBride and Cameron Payne. It has forced head coach Tom Thibodeau to turn to a rotation of Delon Wright and rookie Tyler Kolek.
For more on Jalen Brunson and the Knicks, visit AMNY.com
