New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is set to make his comeback from a right ankle sprain. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau revealed that Brunson has been given the green light for basketball activities before Wednesday’s 124-105 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers. According to reports from the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy and SNY’s Ian Begley, the All-Star is expected to practice on Friday and could play over the weekend.
The Knicks are scheduled to face the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday and host the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. Brunson, who has been sidelined for the past 14 games due to the ankle sprain, is listed as questionable for the Hawks game, as reported by Chris Haynes.
Brunson has participated in 61 games this season, averaging over 20 minutes in each. If he returns against Atlanta and/or Phoenix and maintains his health for the remaining six games on the schedule, he should meet the NBA’s 65-game requirement for end-of-season awards. This would keep him in the running for All-NBA honors without jeopardizing his chances.
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If Brunson reaches the 65-game mark, he is likely to secure a spot on an All-NBA team for the second consecutive season. His season averages of 26.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 35.4 minutes per game, along with a 29% usage rate and 60.6% true shooting percentage, make a strong case for his inclusion.
Despite Brunson’s absence, the Knicks have maintained a record of 8-6 in his absence and currently hold a 48-28 overall record. They occupy the third spot in the Eastern Conference with a three-game lead over the fourth-placed Indiana Pacers, who have been on a hot streak with 10 wins in their last 13 games.
Brunson is not the only player expected to rejoin the Knicks’ backcourt rotation soon. Thibodeau mentioned that guards Miles McBride and Cam Payne, who have been sidelined due to injuries, are also close to making their return.
Following the upcoming weekend games, the Knicks will face the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and Cleveland Cavaliers before concluding the regular season with a matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on April 13. This stretch will serve as a preparation period for both Brunson and the team ahead of the playoffs.
following sentence:
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
The fast brown fox leaps over the sluggish dog.