Courtney Lee’s ankle improving; he could return for Knicks on Sunday
New York Knicks' Courtney Lee tries to thwart a shot by Minnesota Timberwolves' Gorgui Dieng during the first quarter on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. Credit: AP / Jim Mone
A few days ago, Courtney Lee couldn’t even walk. By Friday, he was able to get a few shots up. And Sunday night? Well, he might just be back, he said.
Lee, who twisted his left ankle in the first quarter against the Timberwolves on Wednesday night, said Friday that he’s “making progression.”
“It feels a lot better,” he said. “I wasn’t able to walk that night but I was able to move around pretty comfortable today . . . I’m going to try to push it.”
X-rays of the ankle came back negative, and though trainers did not inform Lee what level of strain he suffered, it’s clear he has made (literal) strides. He didn’t have any problem walking on Friday, and when asked if he’ll be available against the Kings on Sunday night, he said, “I’m not ruling anything out right now. It feels good.”
Lee said his status likely will depend on whether he’s able to practice on Saturday and how he performs.
“Hundred percent [I need to practice first],” he said. “Get back in the rhythm, get back in the groove of things, see if I can push off and guard people. Forward and back is not an issue, it’s laterally, so that’s the most important thing — especially for me, I’m a defender. Lateral movement for me is the most important thing.”
Buzzer-beaters
Lance Thomas is back from his ankle injury and played Friday night, but coach Jeff Hornacek said the Knicks intend to be cautious with the plantar fasciitis that’s afflicted him all season. He has it in both feet. “He feels better with it,” Hornacek said. “It’s painful to play through. They do certain tape jobs on it to try to help, but we just have to see once he starts pounding on it again and going hard, how it affects him. We’ll probably try to start him out slowly in the beginning and gradually move on, maybe more minutes. We’ll just have to see how he feels.” Thomas entered Friday night’s game late in the second quarter, his first appearance since Nov. 12 . . . Joakim Noah missed his second game because of an ankle sprain he suffered Monday. Kyle O’Quinn started in his place.
Laura Albanese is a reporter, feature writer and columnist covering local professional sports teams; she began at Newsday in 2007 as an intern.
