Knicks’ Jalen Brunson returns to normal minutes — and puts on show

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.”