PORTLAND, Ore. — Coach Tom Thibodeau limited Jalen Brunson, not far from a gruesome knee contusion, to limited minutes in the game leading up to his 45-point gem in Thursday’s 105-93 win over the Trail Blazers. He revealed that he had undergone surgery.
Brunson has averaged less than 30 minutes in each of his previous three games, including 27 minutes in Tuesday’s win over the Sixers.
This was the lowest minutes Brunson had logged since January 9, excluding the 47 seconds he played before suffering a knee contusion on March 3 in Cleveland.
But then Brunson played 38 minutes against the Blazers, more than his season average, and analyzed defenses with his midrange game and trademark footwork.
He made just 2-of-10 shots from beyond the arc, but 17 of them went to the line.
“We’ve had games where we’ve made a lot of 2s and zero 3s, and I’m sure we’ve had one game this year where we’ve made all 3s and zero 2s. It happens,” Brunson said. Ta. “It’s all about staying confident and not worrying or second-guessing and just getting through it. It’s always going to be a roller coaster. You just have to keep your mind and heart straight. That’s what I do. It’s the only thing you can control.”
While Brunson’s restriction ended, Isaiah Hartenstein’s continued Thursday with just 23 minutes. He has not played more than 27 minutes in a game since returning from a re-aggravated Achilles tendon on February 8th.
“I don’t [know]” Thibodeau said about when Hartenstein’s playing time limit ends. “He’s feeling a lot better as well, so that’s a positive. Obviously, getting OG added a lot. So now Precious [Achuiwa] Proceed further to backup 5.And there’s still Jericho [Sims]. So we’re happy about that. ”
Hartenstein said he is increasing his playing time so he can be at 100 percent by the playoffs.
Despite more than a decade of NBA experience, Bojan Bogdanovic’s transition to the Knicks wasn’t smooth heading into Thursday’s game against the Blazers.
They shot just 41 percent and had a -16.3 net rating, as their bench struggled compared to recent dominant performances from their starters.
“We have to get better and be more aggressive defensively and offensively,” said Bogdanovic, who scored five points in the win. “We’ve got to be ready, especially when Jaylen is off the court. The second unit, obviously without him, has to know how to run different types of set pieces. And the defense On the front, we have to defend and maintain our standards no matter what happens on the offensive end.”
Blazers center Deandre Ayton, who scored 31 points in the loss, went on a self-congratulatory rant before facing the Knicks.
Ayton, who just had 33 points and 19 rebounds in Wednesday’s win over the Hawks, “thank the haters,” called himself “dominant,” and said he wants to lead the Blazers “forever.” “I’m wearing a cloak,” he said.
“I’m just trying to bust its ass. That’s it,” Ayton said. “I strive to be great, whether I look like the bad guy or not. I strive to be a winner in this league. I strive to be known as that guy. If you stay by my side, you will learn how to win.”
It was quite the rant from a player who missed a game this season because he didn’t shovel his driveway after a snowstorm. Ayton was the only player who missed Arena for the game against the Nets in January.
Asked about playing against Ayton, Knicks backup center Achiuwa said, “I just go out there and play basketball. I don’t really care what people say.”
