New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, sidelined since last week with a Grade 1 ankle sprain, was back on the court Monday at Kaseya Center in Miami taking jump shots. The club has listed him as questionable for Wednesday’s matchup with the Dallas Mavericks, raising optimism he could miss only two games. New York split those two contests with the Miami Heat in his absence.
Head coach Mike Brown also indicated that center Mitchell Robinson is nearing a heavier workload. Robinson logged fewer than 20 minutes Monday and has not topped that mark in any appearance this season, but Brown said the limit “has increased” three times and that the 7-footer could have reached 27 minutes against Miami.
Shooting guard Jordan Clarkson, acquired from Utah in the offseason, said competing for a contender has sharpened his focus. “I’m glad to be back contending, be in the playoffs and know we’re playing for something,” Clarkson told reporters. He posted 24 and 14 points, respectively, in the two meetings with the Heat and is shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from three-point range.
While the Knicks emphasize protecting the paint, that strategy has left them vulnerable on the perimeter. According to a film study by The Athletic’s James Edwards III, opponents are converting 39.4 percent of their attempts from deep against New York, the second-worst mark in the league.
Source: Hoops Rumors
