Jalen Brunson’s Epic Return: Knicks Star Set to Electrify Madison Square Garden
Atlanta, Georgia
The wait is nearly over—Jalen Brunson is ready to make his long-awaited return, and New York Knicks fans are counting down the days. After sitting out with a sprained ankle since March 6, the All-Star guard won’t play in Saturday’s game against Atlanta, but he is expected to make his highly anticipated comeback on Sunday when the Knicks host the Suns at Madison Square Garden.
Brunson was cleared for basketball activities last week and took part in his first full practice on Friday. While Coach Tom Thibodeau kept things low-key, he confirmed that Brunson is “very close” to making his return. With everything pointing in the right direction, it’s expected that Brunson will take the floor Sunday, bringing the energy and leadership the Knicks have been missing.
Sunday’s matchup with Phoenix is a key moment for New York, and while Brunson wasn’t expected to play in both games during this back-to-back weekend, having him back at home will be the spark the team desperately needs. The Knicks have been battling without their star guard, relying heavily on Delon Wright, rookie Tyler Kolek, and a potential return for Cam Payne, who has missed five games due to an ankle injury. While these players have held things down, they’ve been missing Brunson’s scoring, playmaking, and leadership on both ends of the court.
Brunson’s return will also ease some of the Knicks’ other challenges. Miles McBride has now missed eight straight games with a groin injury, leaving the backcourt even more stretched thin. But with Brunson back, the Knicks gain a playmaker who can stabilize the offense, run the show, and take the pressure off other key players. His return means more scoring, better ball movement, and a stronger defense—something New York has been craving all month.
On top of Brunson’s return, Mitchell Robinson, who has been recovering from ankle surgery, is also expected to suit up on Sunday. If all goes as planned, it will mark the first time this season that Brunson and Robinson take the floor together as starters—a duo that could give the Knicks a much-needed boost as they push for a playoff spot.
The Knicks’ wings—Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby—have been logging heavy minutes, with all three ranking in the NBA’s top five for minutes per game. They’ve shown resilience and grit, but adding Brunson back into the mix could elevate the team to another level. His leadership on and off the court will help ensure the Knicks finish the season strong and make a serious run in the playoffs.
With the Garden’s electric atmosphere waiting for his return, Brunson’s comeback could be the spark that propels the Knicks toward a deeper playoff run. It’s a pivotal moment in the season, and New York fans are ready for what could be a game-changing week. The question remains: Can Brunson’s return ignite the Knicks and carry them to new heights? Sunday will tell, but one thing is certain—the energy at Madison Square Garden will be nothing short of electric.
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