New York Knicks insider: Jalen Brunson’s return is ‘realistic’ this weekend

The New York Knicks have been navigating a crucial stretch without their star point guard, Jalen Brunson, who has been sidelined with a right ankle sprain since March 6. Despite missing 13 consecutive games, the team has stayed competitive, posting an 8-5 record in his absence. However, with the postseason rapidly approaching, the focus has shifted to when Brunson will be back on the floor to lead the Knicks in their playoff push.Jalen Brunson’s return seems to be right around the corner, according to New York Knicks insider Ian Begley. After the team’s 105-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Begley said a Thursday game in Cleveland is probably too soon, but the weekend? That’s looking much more likely.“Jalen Brunson, still working his way back, I think it’s a long shot for him to play at Cleveland the next game. But they have a couple of days off, then they go to Atlanta on Saturday. They’re home against Phoenix on Sunday,” Begley reported. “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,” Begly said, "that Atlanta game, that Phoenix game. I think if everything continues to pace with his rehab, that’s the place where you’re looking for Brunson to be back on the court."The Knicks have two big games this weekend—Saturday in Atlanta and Sunday at home against Phoenix—and that’s when Brunson could finally make his return. With playoff positioning still up for grabs, getting him back now would be huge for New York.Brunson isn’t rushing back just to get on the court—his focus is on being fully ready for the playoffs. Speaking before the Knicks faced the Trail Blazers, he made it clear that health comes first, especially with the intensity of the postseason ahead.“Realistically, I'm hoping to play before the playoffs,” Brunson said. "It's good for me to get some game reps before we go into that type of stretch run, but the most important thing is trying to be 100 percent healthy."Brunson is back to basketball activities—sprinting, cutting, and testing his ankle—but he’s not rushing. He’s working with the Knicks’ medical staff to make sure he returns at the right moment.“We’re going to communicate,” Brunson explained. “I never want to put [the medical team] in a position where I’m making the decisions because it’s honestly a team thing. But when I know it's something minor and I know I can play through it, I can play through it.”He added, “I just want to make sure we're on the same page. We’ve been on the same page for the past couple of weeks, and so we're going to continue to progress that way.”The Knicks have managed without Brunson, thanks in part to Landry Shamet. He hit six threes in the win over the Sixers and is averaging 10.3 points on 45% shooting from deep over the last four games.Mitchell Robinson looked strong in his first start of the season Tuesday, posting 14 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks. After nearly 10 months recovering from ankle surgery, his return is a big lift for the Knicks' defense.Coach Tom Thibodeau credited the team for stepping up, emphasizing that replacing Brunson isn’t a one-man job.“We’ve said this all along – you’re not going to replace Jalen individually,” Thibodeau said. “You have to do it collectively, and I think we’ve done that.”Brunson, while grateful for his teammates’ efforts, is eager to be back.“There have been nights where obviously we didn’t perform well as a team, but then the next day they respond. That’s all we can focus on,” he said. “It sucks. It’s not fun. I really wish I was out there.”Also Read: “Our business is a piece of sh*t”: Michael Wilbon criticizes ESPN and Stephen A. Smith’s obsession with Bronny JamesThe Knicks have stayed competitive without Brunson, but with the playoffs approaching, his return is critical. Getting their floor leader back could provide the final boost they need to make a deep run. If everything stays on track, he’ll be back just in time to guide them into the postseason.