Jalen Brunson's timely return gifts the Knicks a huge late-season opportunity

For what seemed like forever, the New York Knicks struggled to find a franchise player who could instantly provide championship hope.

They signed Jalen Brunson in the summer of 2022 and were forced to see what life would be like without him for 15 games this season due to a right ankle sprain. The captain is back now, and his very presence should cause fans and pundits to wonder if the Knicks can prove themselves down the stretch.

It was a quiet first game back for the Villanova product. He tallied 15 points on a 3-9 clip from the field and also earned six assists as the Knicks defeated the Suns 112-98 on Sunday night.

"Usually what happens when a player comes back is he needs to get a feel, and usually there's a play or two where he'll be tested a little bit. And then once he realizes he's good, he takes off," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said of Brunson after the contest. "I thought in the second half, there was a different gear to him."

OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns both enjoyed banner evenings. Anunoby posted a team-high 32 points on a sizzling 13-17 night from the field. Towns posted 19 points and collected 13 rebounds.

Jalen Brunson's return gifts the Knicks a big late season opportunity to prove themselves

Regardless of his initial input, the 28-year-old gave the Knicks a stabilizing force at guard, something they have had to find by committee in his absence. Miles McBride, Cameron Payne, and Tyler Kolek have each slotted in during the team's 15 games without Brunson, but it was clear that New York was simply trying to stay afloat during this time.

During the final week of the regular season, they will play the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and Cleveland Cavaliers, giving them the perfect test. All three teams will be in the playoffs, providing the finally healthy Knicks with a practice run before the postseason.

With Brunson serving as the primary ball handler going forward, the Knicks will once again have one of the most deadly offensive attacks in the Eastern Conference. The New Brunswick native can score at all three levels and facilitate.

This combination has made New York a tough team to cover. If the opposition chooses to key in on Brunson, they risk leaving Towns, Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges with room. Further, Brunson's passing and awareness may help center Mitchell Robinson receive easy lob opportunities.

Right now, it’s more his timing. [Brunson’s] got to play. There’s no way around that,” Thibodeau said. “He practiced well the other day, but the intensity of practice can never be replicated to what the game is.”

The vast majority of fans and pundits have decided that the Eastern Conference Finals will be a predestined showdown between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. But Brunson's return to the hardwood gives New York one final chance to show that this can be the year they finally escape the second round.