Jalen Brunson Nearing Return as Knicks Look to Regain Their Early-Season Form
The New York Knicks may be getting a much-needed boost this weekend, as Jalen Brunson has been upgraded to questionable for Saturday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns. It’s a positive sign for the Knicks, who’ve been without their floor general since he rolled his right ankle early in the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. He missed the rest of that contest and sat out the following game against the Golden State Warriors - both of which ended in losses.
Brunson’s potential return couldn’t come at a more critical time. The Knicks have dropped seven of their last nine games, and during that stretch, their defense has taken a noticeable step back.
Opponents have been finding too many easy looks, and New York’s once-disciplined defensive identity has been slipping. That’s not just a stat sheet issue - it’s an energy and communication problem, the kind that a steadying presence like Brunson can help fix.
Brunson isn’t just the team’s lead ball handler - he’s the heartbeat of the offense and a calming force when things get chaotic. His ability to control tempo, create off the dribble, and make tough shots in crunch time has been sorely missed. Without him, the Knicks have struggled to generate consistent offense, often relying on isolation-heavy possessions that stall out against set defenses.
The good news? Help is on the way - and not just from Brunson.
Josh Hart recently returned to the rotation after missing eight games, and Landry Shamet logged his first action since November during Thursday’s game. The Knicks are starting to get bodies back, and if they can stay healthy, there’s still time to recapture the rhythm that had them looking like one of the more balanced teams in the East early in the season.
But health alone won’t solve everything. The Knicks still need to tighten up defensively - they’ve been giving up too many second-chance points and struggling to contain perimeter scorers.
Offensively, they’ve lacked flow and ball movement, particularly in late-game situations. That’s where Brunson’s return could be a game-changer.
Saturday’s home game against the Suns offers a prime opportunity to reset. It’s not just about snapping a skid - it’s about reestablishing identity.
The Knicks need a bounce-back win, the kind that reminds the locker room who they are and what they’re capable of when firing on all cylinders. Whether Brunson is ready to suit up or not, the urgency is there.
Also worth watching: Hart remains listed as questionable with an ankle injury, so his status will be something to monitor leading up to tip-off. But if the Knicks can get both Brunson and Hart back on the floor, it could be the spark they’ve been waiting for.
Bottom line - the Knicks are at a crossroads. The early-season promise is still within reach, but it’s going to take more than just getting healthy.
It’s going to take execution, energy, and leadership. And Jalen Brunson brings all three.