Brunson low-key minutes limit comes to an end

PORTLAND, Ore. — Tom Thibodeau revealed that Jalen Brunson, not far removed from his scary knee contusion, was operating on a minutes restriction in the games leading up to his 45-point gem in Thursday’s 105-93 win over the Trail Blazers.

Brunson played an average of less than 30 minutes in his previous three games — including 27 in Tuesday’s win over the Sixers. It was the fewest minutes Brunson logged since Jan. 9, not counting the 47-second appearance before suffering the knee contusion in Cleveland on March 3.

But then Brunson played 38 minutes against the Blazers, above his season average, and dissected the defense with the midrange game and trademark footwork.

He shot just 2 of 10 from beyond the arc but went to the line 17 times.

“I’ve had games where I’ve made a lot of 2s and no 3s, and I’m pretty sure I had one game this year where I made all 3s and no 2s. It happens,” Brunson said. “Just all about keeping my confidence, not worrying, second-guessing, just playing through it. It’s always going to be a roller coaster. Just got to keep my mentality and mind straight. That’s the one thing I can control.”

Though Brunson’s restrictions were finished, Isaiah Hartenstein’s continued with just 23 minutes on Thursday. He hasn’t played more than 27 minutes in a game since returning from his last Achilles reaggravation on Feb. 8.

“I don’t [know],” Thibodeau said of when Hartenstein’s minutes restriction will end. “He’s feeling a lot better as well, so that’s the positive.”

Despite over a decade of NBA experience, Bojan Bogdanovic’s transition to the Knicks hadn’t been smooth heading into Thursday against the Blazers. He was shooting just 41 percent, as his bench unit struggled compared to recent dominating performances from the starters.

“We just have to be better, be more aggressive defensively and offensively,” said Bogdanovic, who scored five points. “You gotta be ready, especially when Jalen is off the court.”