Sun Mar 30 22:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Targets Playoff Return After Ankle Injury
**NEW YORK, NY** – New York Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson is aiming for a return to the court before the end of the regular season, but only after he’s fully recovered from an ankle sprain. Brunson suffered the injury on March 6th during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
While expressing a desire to play before the playoffs begin, Brunson emphasized that his top priority is to be 100% healthy for the postseason. He’s currently short of the 65 games needed for All-NBA and MVP consideration, but reiterated that individual awards are secondary to team success and his own complete recovery.
Brunson has been cleared for some basketball activities, including sprinting and agility drills, and reports feeling increasingly better. He’s working closely with the Knicks medical staff to determine the optimal return date, stating that the decision will be a collaborative effort. While he’s shown a willingness to play through injuries in the past, this situation requires careful management of pain and a strategic approach to his return.
The Knicks have gone 6-5 since Brunson’s injury, with backup point guard Deuce McBride also missing significant time due to a groin injury. Coach Tom Thibodeau praised the team’s collective effort in Brunson’s absence, highlighting the opportunities it presented for other players to step up and contribute. He stressed the importance of defense, rebounding, and limiting turnovers as key factors in maintaining their success.
Brunson expressed his appreciation for his teammates’ response to his absence, acknowledging both their strong performances and the inevitable setbacks. Despite the frustration of watching from the sidelines, he remains focused on the team’s overall progress and their ability to bounce back from challenging games. His return date remains undetermined, but his progress suggests a playoff appearance is still very much on the cards.
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