When Jalen Brunson landed on the foot of Austin Reaves in overtime vs. LA after taking a floater in traffic, he came up hobbling and couldn’t put weight on his right ankle. Brunson stayed in to hit the clutch free throws but immediately went to the locker room afterward. New York’s captain is one of the toughest and most durable players in the league, which meant that his leaving the game without a fight was a concerning sign. There were whispers that he may have suffered a severe ankle injury that would ruin his season. However, the initial reporting was that Brunson had avoided the worst-case scenario. Everything since then has been positive for the city’s heartbeat.
What Optimistic Brunson Injury Update Could Mean For Knicks
SNY’s Ian Begley reported that Brunson’s rehab is going very well, and the point guard is progressing faster than initially expected. This news isn’t all that unexpected because Brunson has seemed to rebound quickly from every injury he’s suffered in his Knicks career. He’s famous for exiting big games to the locker room just to return later and carry NY to victory. Game 2 against Indiana last year and a home outburst against Milwaukee this season are two examples of this.
However, this news is still a huge relief for everyone involved in the Knicks organization. They have no hope of a deep playoff run if their leader isn’t fully healthy. Brunson’s game relies on quick, high-tension movements with his footwork and drives to the basket, so if he’s even a little hampered by an ankle injury, it would be devastating. New York has done a solid job weathering the storm while he’s been out but is nowhere near the elite team they are with Brunson. So, how will the Knicks approach his impending return? There are a few considerations.
Brunson Needs To Play Four More Games To Be Eligible For All-NBA
Luckily for Brunson, he played 61 of the Knicks’ first 62 games, meaning he only needs four more to meet the 65-game minimum requirement for awards. Somehow, he still has a chance to reach the threshold despite what will be at least a month-long injury. He will need to return in New York’s fifth-to-last game on Sunday, April 6th against the Suns. NY has a back-to-back on April 10th and 11th, which he almost certainly wouldn’t play both games of.
That would mean Brunson has to get on the court in the next 12 days, which seems somewhat unlikely, but these positive reports indicate there may be a chance. Now, his award status is largely irrelevant in the big picture. The Knicks will prioritize the short and long-term health of their superstar as well as their playoff run over everything else, and he would say the same thing. However, these awards do mean something for a player’s legacy, and Brunson is headed for an All-NBA second-team selection if he can play four more games.
NY Won’t Rush Him Back, But He Needs Tune-Up Games Before Playoffs
The more important consideration for Brunson is when to bring him back to optimize both his health and his performance. NY has been vehement that they won’t rush him back before he is ready. However, he also would be best off if he could play a few NBA games before postseason action.
He needs these tune-up games for three reasons. Firstly, to shake off the rust before playing in the most important and competitive contests of the year. Second, he’ll need to get his wind back after not playing full-court basketball in over a month. This factor is even more crucial when you consider his extremely heavy workload. Lastly, Brunson needs to get live action to ensure his body is ready to withstand multiple rounds of playoff basketball. If he drops himself directly into the gauntlet that is the postseason, he could overextend himself and get re-injured.
The bottom line is this: as long as New York can get Brunson back fully healthy and in rhythm by Game 1 of the first round, it will be a huge victory. If he’s in the lineup, NY will always have a chance.
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