Jalen Brunson continues working his way toward a late-season return.
The Knicks’ All-Star point guard has missed the last 10 games with a sprained right ankle suffered after landing awkwardly on a shot attempt in the closing minutes of an overtime loss to the Los Angles Lakers earlier this month.
New York has gone an even 5-5 over that span, and his absence has certainly been felt.
While Brunson hasn’t been cleared to return to practice just yet, head coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters earlier this week that he’s “feeling a lot better” and has been able to do “more and more each day.”
Brunson himself said he’s excited about the progress he’s made during the latest episode of the Roomates Show podcast.
“I’ve been back East since the LA game,” he said. “I’m feeling better, walking without the boot. Thibs said I’ve impressed recently. I’m just doing everything I can to get back to 100 percent. Doing things two, three times a day. Just working my way back.
“For the most part, I’m happy to see the progress with where I’m at, so I think that’s promising.”
SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley reported earlier this week that the 28-year-old captain has actually been progressing faster than initially anticipated — though the team will continue taking things day-by-day to ensure that they don’t rush him back.
While Brunson is currently without a timeline for a return, he is expected to be reevaluated later this week, and Begley reports that there is no thought of him remaining sidelined for the rest of the regular season.
Following Friday night’s meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks, New York has just nine games left.
They face a brutally tough schedule the rest of the way, but have already guaranteed themselves a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference after clinching a playoff spot with the Hawks’ loss to the Heat on Thursday night.
