As Jalen Brunson headed to Indianapolis for the well-deserved first All-Star experience of his career, the comically injury-riddled Knicks began a much-needed week of rest and recuperation.
The Knicks have dropped five of six, following a scorching 15-2 stretch, with as many as six lineup regulars sidelined with injuries in recent games.
But they are hoping to regain some of their key bodies for the stretch run when they reconvene for a game in Philadelphia next Thursday.
“I think we’ve had a great two-thirds of the season. We’ve put ourselves in a position where we’ve done well, but we have a lot of room for improvement,” Brunson said after scoring 33 points in Wednesday’s shorthanded loss in Orlando. “So I think this break is obviously good for us.
“We’re the walking wounded right now. But I’m more than happy with what we’ve been able to do. So quick reset and just be ready to go next week.”
While Brunson participates in Saturday’s 3-point shooting contest then the All-Star Game the following night, coach Tom Thibodeau said he’s hoping at least Donte DiVincenzo (hamstring), Isaiah Hartenstein (Achilles) and Bojan Bogdanovic (calf) will be ready following the eight-day stoppage to return to the rotation against the 76ers.
Brunson was a guest Thursday night on TNT’s pregame show, and he received some boos from the Indiana crowd.
He joked about the 3-point contest, “I love [Julius Randle], but my focus is to beat his score (of 13) from last year. That was terrible. I love Ju, but I gotta beat that.”
Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow surgery) also are expected back over the course of the final 27 games, and perhaps Mitchell Robinson (ankle surgery) will be able to return, as well.
“Just take a look at where we are. We got guys coming back, and just prepare for the start,” Thibodeau said when asked Wednesday night about his plans for the break. “What are the things that we need to shore up? What are the things we can get better at? And then lock into our opponents.
“So there’s a lot of work to be done. But I think it’s a good opportunity to take a break and recharge, too. … They understand when we get back, we have to hit the ground running. But I think the break is good for everyone.”
Brunson, who also sat out one game during the past six with a sprained ankle, was named an All-Star for the first time after he was overlooked in his first season with the Knicks one year ago, when he finished third in the voting for the NBA’s Most Improved Player.
He has taken another step toward superstardom this year, posting career highs in scoring (27.6 points per game) and assists (6.5) while shooting 41.1 percent from 3-point range.
To that end, Brunson said Wednesday that he’d only practiced once with the stationed racks of basketballs for his 3-point contest debut, and he admitted it didn’t go well.
“Terrible. I didn’t make a shot, Brunson said. “I didn’t make a shot, so hopefully that changes on Saturday.
“It’s definitely a little different. Yeah, it’s unorthodox, but the ball is in your hands and you’re getting ready to shoot, so it all feels the same.”
Randle also was named an All-Star for the third time in four seasons — giving the Knicks (33-22) two selections for the first time since Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler were tabbed in 2013.
But the power forward will not attend the festivities in Indy, according to the Knicks, after suffering his right shoulder dislocation against the Heat on Jan. 27.
The Knicks said on Feb. 2 that Randle would be reevaluated in two to three weeks, and Thibodeau added earlier on their recent road trip that he recently met with the All-Star forward to map out a plan for the break.
“We’re already processing what the next things are. He’s doing very well overall,” Thibodeau said Monday in Houston.
Two-way forward Jacob Toppin also will represent the organization Saturday in the Slam Dunk Contest at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, two years after his older brother — since-traded former Knicks forward Obi Toppin, who now plays for the Pacers — took home the trophy in 2022.