
Jalen Brunson has been calling out the New York Knicks’ slow starts . Thankfully, while the team did listen to their star player, the Knicks are now in the postseason. Set to face the Atlanta Hawks in round one, New York will start as the favorites. But that will only be possible if Brunson is all fit and fine.
Speaking about the 29-year-old’s injury update , Brunson is expected to take the hardwood against the Hawks. And not only that, the 3-time NBA All-Star will have the responsibility of scoring the bulk of the points alongside Karl-Anthony Towns.
Since joining the Knicks ahead of the 2022-23 season, Jalen Brunson leads the NBA with eight 40-point playoff games.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 16, 2026
The Knicks face the Hawks in Game 1 on Saturday at 6 PM ET on @NBAonPrime. pic.twitter.com/5C1RQSjUrh
Looking at his season this year, the 2025 NBA Cup champion has had a phenomenal impact on the team. Boasting the highest usage rate at 30.3% this past season, his average in the playoffs in a Knicks jersey stands at a whopping 29.9 points per game. Additionally, his 6.8 assists per game indicate that, besides scoring himself, Brunson also dishes out plenty of opportunities to his teammates.
Thus, as Atlanta looks to close in on him, it might have a nominal effect. That’s because the 2025 NBA Cup MVP has a deadly mid-point shooting. And if the Hawks overcommit, the likes of Towns will make life harder for the Hawks.
However, the only problem with the 29-year-old is his gas tank. But Mike Brown might have a backup for that, too.
The 3-time NBA All-Star might be an asset. But his ability to sustain the same tempo throughout the game might be an issue. Thus, the Knicks can opt to start with Towns and Brunson. Try to get a substantial lead in the early minutes. And just when the Hawks would look for a comeback, the Knicks’ head coach could substitute Brunson for Miles McBride.
The former West Virginia star has been impressive throughout the season. While his length is quite commanding, his ability to get over screens is exceptional as well. Thus, going forward, as the Knicks aim for a championship, all eyes will be on how management utilizes Brunson and keeps him injury-free.
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