Jalen Brunson Returns, Knicks Beat Suns Whose Playoff Hopes Barely Alive

Jalen Brunson went exactly one month without playing due to an ankle injury. He looked like it on Sunday night.

The New York Knicks beat the Phoenix Suns 112-98, fueled by 32 points from OG Anunoby. More importantly, Brunson returned to the Knicks lineup for the first time since March 6.

In 34 minutes, Brunson finished 3-9 with 15 points and 6 assists. He finished 3-9 from the field. Brunson didn’t have much to say about his performance.

“Could be better, could be worse,” Brunson told reporters. “A lot of room for improvement on my end.”

Despite a rusty performance, Brunson still showed up when it mattered, scoring six of his 15 in the last two minutes. He hit his only three of the game at the 1:45 mark of the fourth quarter when the teams were only separated by seven points.

Regardless, Knicks fans are just happy to see their star back in the lineup.

For the Phoenix Suns, this loss marks their sixth in a row. The Suns are barely alive for the play-in race, and need to win out and receive some help to stay alive.

Devin Booker finished with 40 points. Over the past three games, Booker has averaged just under 39 points per game.

With the win, the Knicks moved to 50-28. As long as they don’t lose out, they will be a three seed in the Eastern Conference. If the standings hold, they will play the Detroit Pistons in the first round.