Jalen Brunson: Knicks Have 'Room For Improvement' In 2nd Half
The New York Knicks are currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference at the All-Star break. While that's higher than many placed them in preseason predictions, there's obvious room for improvement as the team tries to reach its first conference final since 2000.
Just before the All-Star Break, Jalen Brunson spoke about the team's second half outlook, a forecast that seems somewhat dire after the Knicks dropped their final four games before the festivities in Indianapolis. Brunson nonetheless remains optimistic as New York inches closer to full strength.
Mike Watters, USA TODAY SPORTS
“I think we’ve had a great two-thirds of the season and we have put ourselves in the position somewhere we have done well but we have a lot of room for improvement," Brunson said after last Wednesday's 118-100 loss to the Orlando Magic. "I think this break is obviously good for us. We are the walking wounded right now, but I am more than happy with what we have been able to do. So (after a) quick reset and be able to go next week.”
The Knicks' biggest key going into late February is getting healthy: OG Anunoby (elbow), Julius Randle (shoulder), and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) are all out indefinitely while Isaiah Hartenstein (Achilles) has missed each of the last three. Last Wednesday's loss in Orlando was also missing newcomer Bojan Bogdanovic (calf) and starter Donte DiVincenzo (hamstring), who are considered day-to-day.
Building chemistry will be the Knicks' primary concern going forward, as only 27 games stand between them and the postseason. It's been a long time since the Knicks have even remotely played at full strength, but it'll be important to figure out how they play together in pursuit of an elusive deep playoff run, even if it comes at the sacrifice of some ground on the bracket.
The shorthanded Knicks return to action on Thursday night in Philadelphia (7 p.m. ET, MSG).
