As the New York Knicks look to hold on to the 3rd spot in the Eastern Conference standings, the team played its 15th straight game without superstar Jalen Brunson on Saturday afternoon. As they faced an Atlanta Hawks team jockeying for play-in position, the Knicks ran rampant from the opening tip, scoring 121 points en route to a massive win. In addition to the strong performance, Knicks fans rejoiced as it was announced that Brunson would make his return the following day, when the Knicks return home to Madison Square Garden to host the Phoenix Suns.
The New York Knicks Have Been Getting a Taste of Life Without Jalen Brunson
On March 6th, the New York Knicks had a narrow loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in a highly competitive game. It was late in the game when Jalen Brunson went down with an ankle injury that has kept him out for the last month. His over 26 points per game and 7.4 assists being out for an extended period created a massive void in the Knicks lineup.
Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks have had an up-and-down go of it since then, with some good performances, including a road win in Milwaukee, but also disappointing losses to the likes of San Antonio and Charlotte. Earlier this week, the Knicks blew a big first half lead against the east-leading Cleveland Cavaliers.
While Karl-Anthony Towns has continued his consistent form, OG Anunoby has been the one stepping up in the scoring column, increasing his average from around 17 points a game to over 23 during the stretch without Brunson. Anunoby has been shooting more and had the ball in his hands more as well. The same is true for Mikal Bridges, who has increased his scoring and attempts as well. Thibodeau has been pleased with both players, but particularly Anunoby.
The OG Anunoby drives have been key for the Knicks during this stretch without Brunson. pic.twitter.com/4753okPip8
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) April 5, 2025
Young point guard Tyler Kolek has recently got some significant playing time as well, averaging over 17 minutes per game over a 7-game stretch. Veteran Delon Wright has also helped fill the gaps at the guard position.
New York Knicks Earn Huge Win Over Atlanta Hawks
Saturday afternoon, the Knicks were all over Atlanta from the opening tip. While it was an offensive showcase in the first quarter for both teams, the Knicks tightened up defensively in the second quarter as the offense continued to roll. New York scored 78 points in the first half.
Towns had 17 points at the break, but had a concerning moment shortly before half. In the second quarter, Towns appeared to injure his finger and went to the locker room. However, Towns later returned to the game.
When the final buzzer sounded, the Knicks won 121-105 in a game that was not as close as the final score indicated. The Knicks shot an impressive 53.6% from the field as a team and over 51% from three-point territory. Towns finished with 30 points and 11 rebounds, while Anunoby had 24 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks. Bridges chipped in 20 points and 5 dimes.
Nonetheless, the best news of the day has been Brunson’s return. When the Knicks face the Phoenix Suns in NYC on Sunday, the Knicks will have their star point guard back in the lineup.
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson (ankle) will make his return Sunday at home against the Phoenix Suns after missing the last 15 games, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/GJaZWzNoC6
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 5, 2025
If Brunson can get himself back up to speed in time for the playoffs, the Knicks should be categorized as one of the main threats in the Eastern Conference, right behind the defending-champion Boston Celtics and the east-leading Cavaliers.
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