TITLE: Brunson Set for Christmas Return Against Cavs; Kolek Impresses, Towns Receives Minnesota Ovation, Jemison Notes Growth
SLUG: brunson-returns-knicks-updates-kolek-towns-jemison
CONTENT:
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson will be back in uniform for the team’s Christmas Day meeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Brunson sat out Tuesday’s loss in Minnesota because of right-ankle injury management but was removed from Thursday’s injury report, as was forward OG Anunoby, who had been dealing with left-ankle soreness.
Head coach Mike Brown has repeatedly mentioned trimming Brunson’s minutes, yet the All-Star played 38 minutes Sunday while scoring a season-best 47 points in Miami. Over his past nine contests he is averaging 36.8 minutes, in addition to the 41 minutes he logged during last week’s NBA Cup Final (those minutes do not count toward official statistics).
“I want to play,” Brunson said, while noting he trusts Brown’s decisions. Thursday’s matchup pairs Brunson with Cavaliers standout Donovan Mitchell, a meeting Brown called an opportunity for Brunson to strengthen his Most Valuable Player candidacy after being named NBA Cup MVP.
Kolek Capitalizes on First Start
With Brunson sidelined in Minnesota, second-year guard Tyler Kolek delivered a career night: 20 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in 31 minutes. “Anytime you get an opportunity like that, you try to take advantage of it,” Kolek said. His recent form could ease pressure on the front office to seek a veteran backup point guard before the trade deadline, according to team observers.
Towns Cherished in Return to Minnesota
Karl-Anthony Towns, who spent nine seasons with the Timberwolves prior to his offseason trade to New York, erupted for 40 points Tuesday and was greeted with a standing ovation during introductions. “There’s nothing more valuable in this league than to be respected,” Towns said postgame. “I left my heart and soul here in Minnesota.” Teammate Anthony Edwards also saluted Towns during his on-court interview.
Jemison Sees Development Payoff
Third-year center Trey Jemison appeared in just his fourth game of the season during last week’s win over Indiana, recording more than 18 minutes of action. Now on his fifth NBA team, Jemison credited the Knicks’ developmental staff for helping elevate his game. “They are buying in and helping me set a higher standard for myself and it’s been great,” the 24-year-old said.
New York continues its holiday homestand Monday when it hosts the Atlanta Hawks.
Source: Hoops Rumors
