The New York Knicks are facing mounting pressure as they struggle to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Following a 120-105 defeat against the Charlotte Hornets, the Knicks have now lost six of their last nine games, a downturn exacerbated by the absence of All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson. As Brunson recovers from an ankle sprain, the team's grip on the No. 3 seed is slipping, raising questions about their playoff viability.

If the playoffs began now, the Knicks would be matched up against the sixth-seeded Detroit Pistons, which could be challenging but not impossible. However, should they fall to the No. 4 seed, the potential to avoid the Boston Celtics until later in the playoffs presents a more favorable outlook. The Celtics have dominated the Knicks this season, winning all three matchups by significant margins.

With 13 games left in the season, New York's remaining schedule includes tough opponents and multiple back-to-backs. Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks are nipping at their heels, making every game count. If the Knicks can regroup and capitalize on their matchups, they might find a way to navigate this challenging stretch as they prepare for the postseason.

The New York Knicks have struggled without Jalen Brunson, holding a 3-4 record in his absence, including a disheartening 115-98 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. This slump has raised concerns about their playoff positioning, as they face pressure to maintain their No. 3 seed. However, promising news has emerged as coach Tom Thibodeau indicated that Brunson is progressing in his recovery from a sprained ankle, moving out of his walking boot and beginning light shooting.

With the regular season concluding on April 13, Brunson's return could be crucial for New York's playoff aspirations. He has been a standout performer, averaging 30.3 points and 6.6 assists per game in 24 playoff outings, underlining his value to the team. The Knicks are counting on him to resume his pivotal role alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, especially as he helps set up their offensive strategy and maintain competitiveness in the playoffs.

The New York Knicks have struggled offensively in the absence of All-Star Jalen Brunson, who is sidelined with a right ankle sprain. While the Knicks were a top-five offense with Brunson, his absence has seen them plummet to eighth-worst in offensive rating over the six games he missed. Following a heavy loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the Knicks fell to defeat again against the Charlotte Hornets, marking their sixth loss in nine games.

The Knicks' inability to generate quality offense has been evident, with the team failing to reach 100 points against lower-ranked opponents. Josh Hart acknowledged the struggles, emphasizing the need for better playmaking. Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball had a standout performance for the Hornets, leading multiple players in double figures. With Brunson out for an extended time, the Knicks will need to rally to maintain their playoff positioning against the struggling Washington Wizards next.

Josh Hart has solidified his role in the New York Knicks' history by matching Walt Frazier's franchise record for the most triple-doubles in a single season, with his eighth of the year coming against the Miami Heat. His performance, featuring 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, underscores his versatility as a pivotal contributor to the team. Hart's rapid ascent in the record books is remarkable, considering all of his 14 career triple-doubles have occurred over the last two and a half seasons with the Knicks. With an average of 14.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game this season, he continues to thrive, especially in the absence of injured All-Star Jalen Brunson.

Hart's recent achievements place him among active NBA leaders in triple-doubles, alongside players like Russell Westbrook and LeBron James. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Hart's ability to step up under pressure, a sentiment echoed by Hart himself, who humbly attributes his success to teamwork and divine grace. As Hart aims to surpass Frazier's record, his performance and determination provide a crucial offensive spark for the Knicks as they navigate a challenging season.

The New York Knicks have showcased remarkable resilience with Jalen Brunson sidelined due to injury. Under Tom Thibodeau's guidance, the team has adapted to a more defensive-oriented style, achieving a .500 record after defeating the Miami Heat, who are struggling offensively. The Knicks' new identity has allowed them to capitalize on turnovers and create transition opportunities, a shift highlighted by their impressive defensive effort in holding Miami to just 15 points in the third quarter.

As Brunson focuses on recovery, the Knicks are prioritizing a robust playoff form, demonstrating grit and determination in the face of adversity. Players like Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns have stepped up, leading the scoring while emphasizing team discipline on defense. With upcoming challenges against the San Antonio Spurs and Charlotte Hornets, the Knicks are committed to maintaining their competitive spirit and finding ways to win during Brunson's absence.