ATLANTA — Tom Thibodeau always envisions his teams playing their best basketball entering the postseason. Now, with Jalen Brunson — and critical reinforcements behind him — finally arriving, that vision feels within reach.
Brunson, the Knicks’ All-Star guard and team captain, fully participated in Friday’s team practice at Georgia Tech’s Zellnak Center, signaling his imminent return. Joining him in the session were sixth man Miles McBride and veteran guard Cameron Payne, marking the deepest the Knicks have been at point guard since Brunson sprained his right ankle on March 6.
“He’s done a lot of individual stuff, but he hasn’t done any of the team stuff [until today],” Thibodeau said Friday. “I think that part was really good. It was up and down, and the contact part is really the big thing.”
Brunson’s injury against the Lakers sparked a troubling stretch, with McBride (groin strain) and Payne (ankle sprain) also sidelined shortly after. Now, with just six regular-season games remaining, the Knicks are nearly whole again. Rookie center Ariel Hukporti (torn meniscus) remains the only injured player.
“It’s good. Exciting for everyone to be almost back,” OG Anunoby said. “It’s good to see everyone getting healthier.”
That health couldn’t come at a better time. With the playoffs approaching, teams poised for deep playoff runs know health and rhythm go hand in hand.
“Obviously when you get to the playoffs, you want to be playing your best basketball,” said Josh Hart, both knees wrapped in ice post-practice. “It’s hard to be playing your best basketball if you’re not healthy. It’ll be good to get those guys back — some tomorrow, some the next day, some the following day — and we’ll have a few games before the playoffs to get everyone in rhythm.”
Brunson’s presence changes everything. Despite Anunoby taking on a heavier offensive load and Delon Wright providing aggressive defense, the Knicks struggled to replicate Brunson’s 26.3 points, 7.4 assists, and clutch decision-making.
“It’s impossible,” Thibodeau said.
After missing a month, conditioning is the next big challenge for Brunson, who stayed late after practice working on strength training, including cable woodchoppers.
While Thibodeau praised Brunson’s early conditioning efforts — including pool and bike workouts — the overwhelming majority of data and anecdotes say players can only get in game shape through game reps.
“He’s put a lot of time into [conditioning while injured],” Thibodeau said. “But there’s nothing you can do that can replicate the intensity of a game.”
The Knicks have not officially determined whether Brunson, McBride or Payne will return Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks. Their returns could be staggered, especially considering the Knicks have a tough back-to-back against the Hawks and then Kevin Durant’s Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
“When guys are coming back, they can look good today — which they all did — but then how do they feel tomorrow?” Thibodeau said. “It’s more of how they feel and what we think is best, given all factors involved. We just need to make a good decision.”
Brunson must play in at least four of New York’s last six games to qualify for end-of-the-season honors, including All-NBA Teams and Clutch Player of the Year.
When he does officially return, the Knicks won’t just regain points, assists, and clutch play.
They’ll regain their captain, and he’s coming with help.
“He has a unique way of leading,” ...
