Jalen Brunson revealed on Sunday that he resumed sprints and “basketball activities” with hope for gamers ahead of the playoffs.
“It's good to have a gamer before you get into a stretch run,” Branson said. “But the most important thing is to try and be 100% healthy.”
The 28-year-old Branson missed 12 consecutive games on Sunday, suffering a severe ankle spinning, resulting in awkward landing on Lakers defender Austin Reeves on March 6th.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since the injury, the team captain said he was encouraged to recover but refused to provide a return target.
Tom Thibodeau says Branson's next step is practicing.
“I can move better and better every day and I'm obviously going through things, but things hurt, but the next day I see myself in a better place than the day before,” Branson said.
The Knicks have only eight games left since Sunday. In particular, Branson is the fourth in qualifying for the postseason awards. As a top contender for both the All-NBA and Clutch Player of the Year, Branson acknowledged that reaching the 65-game threshold is “individually” important, but health is the number one motivation.
“I just want to fully check my health before I go outside,” he said.
Branson said he is confident in his ability to cut and change directions (facets essential to the point guard game), but he is concerned about his conditioning.
That's part of why it's important to go back to the playoffs.
“I was able to do something to keep it [my conditioning]but I definitely feel I'm going to hit it,” Branson said. “I mean, I'm not an in-game rep. Out-of-game conditioning is different from traditional conditioning, so I'm back to that. I feel like I'm turning my ass off, so we'll see.”
The Knicks remained third seed without Branson, becoming a respectable 6-5 before Sunday's results since his injury.
In particular, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridge stepped up in Branson's absence, each averaging over 21 points in the past 11 games by Sunday. Karl-Anthony Towns dropped 25.7 points per game during that stretch.
Branson is an interesting audience.
“We're watching as we see where we are and where we can improve what we're doing wrong,” Branson said. “When you're watching on TV and not traveling, it's a completely different perspective, and that's really different.
“I'm happy with the way we compete. Obviously, when I get back there, I can get better. There's a lot to improve, but the guys are competing.”
And as he progresses through rehabilitation – with just a few weeks left in the regular season – Branson is happy he's back, but is frustrated that he's on the sidelines.
“The worst part is knowing I'm getting better and better, but I'm not where I want to be,” Branson said. “That's the most frustrating part about it. But like I said, it's getting better and better every day, so I hope it continues to progress like that.”
