New York Knicks fans have reason to celebrate as star point guard Jalen Brunson is expected to make his highly anticipated return to the court this Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. The All-Star has been sidelined for the past month with a sprained right ankle, an injury sustained during an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on March 6. Brunson’s return comes at a critical juncture for the Knicks, who are gearing up for the postseason with just a handful of regular-season games remaining.
According to reports from NBA insider Chris Haynes, Brunson will rejoin the lineup on Sunday at Madison Square Garden, marking the end of a 15-game absence. The 28-year-old guard practiced fully with the team on Friday at Georgia Tech’s Zelnak Center, signaling that he has regained the mobility and confidence needed to compete. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau confirmed Brunson’s progress earlier this week, noting that the rehabilitation process had exceeded initial expectations.
“Jalen’s been making really good progress,” Thibodeau said during a press conference. “We’ve said all along that we won’t rush him back, but he’s trending in the right direction. He’s a competitor, and we’re excited to see him out there again.”
Brunson’s injury occurred when he landed awkwardly on Lakers defender Austin Reaves’ foot during the March 6 contest. Initially expected to miss at least two weeks, the sprain proved more severe, keeping him off the court for over four weeks. In his absence, the Knicks posted an 8-7 record, leaning on the collective efforts of players like Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference standings. The team currently holds the third seed with a 48-28 record.
The Knicks captain spoke to reporters last Sunday, expressing optimism about his recovery. “I’ve been able to move better and better each day,” Brunson said. “It’s about trusting the process and making sure I can trust my ankle. I’m hoping to get some game reps before the playoffs start.” Cleared for basketball activities, including sprinting and cutting, Brunson’s return is timely as the regular season winds down to its final six games after Sunday.
Brunson’s comeback carries added significance beyond the team’s playoff push. Having played in 61 games this season, he needs to appear in at least four more to reach the NBA’s 65-game threshold for postseason award eligibility, including All-NBA honors and MVP consideration. Averaging 26.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game while shooting 49.0% from the field and 38.4% from three-point range, Brunson remains a cornerstone of New York’s championship aspirations.
The Knicks face a busy weekend, traveling to Atlanta to take on the Hawks on Saturday before returning home to host Devin Booker and the Suns. While Brunson was listed as questionable for Saturday’s game, Haynes’ report indicates he will sit out that contest to ensure he’s fully prepared for Sunday. Guards Miles McBride (left groin contusion) and Cam Payne (right ankle sprain) are also nearing returns, with Thibodeau suggesting they could be back “any day,” further bolstering the Knicks’ backcourt depth.