​Photo by Caleb Bowlin/Getty ImagesThe New York Knicks have received an encouraging update on Josh Hart’s ankle injury after head coach Mike Brown suggested the guard was close to returning before their clash with the Milwaukee Bucks.Hart missed his third consecutive game against Milwaukee, having previously sat out matchups with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers because of an ankle problem. However, illness was the only thing keeping him out of the latest contest.The 31-year-old has been an important contributor for New York this season, averaging 8.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and a team-high 2.1 steals.Mike Brown suggests Josh Hart would have played against the Milwaukee Bucks without illnessSpeaking before the game, Brown indicated Hart’s ankle was no longer preventing him from taking the court.“From what they’ve told me, correct me if I’m wrong, if he was not sick, he would play tonight,” Brown said, in a video posted by SNY.That will be welcome news for the Knicks, who have been looking to maintain their momentum during Hart’s absence. Landry Shamet has stepped in admirably, but Hart offers a different level of versatility with his work across the floor.His contribution is not limited to scoring. Hart regularly sets screens, makes defensive rotations, chases loose balls and creates opportunities for teammates with his passing.There has also been some discussion about fatigue within the Knicks squad, with Hart acknowledging that the physical demands of the season were already becoming noticeable.“Sometimes it takes us a little longer to get into the game. Whether that’s the flow, whether that’s fatigue,” Hart said. “We all feel the fatigue. We’ve got to fight through it. It’s six games in. We’ve got to find a way to get our bodies ready to play. Mentally, we’re there. We’ve got to find it physically.”New York went on to secure a convincing 117-85 victory over Milwaukee, improving its record to 6-4. Jalen Brunson led the way with 23 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 16 rebounds.OG Anunoby also contributed 19 points as the Knicks controlled the contest. Hart’s return would give Brown another valuable option as New York looks to build on the win.Read more:Watch- Jaylen Brown snubs Jayson Tatum before Celtics crush 76ers 123-101‘All that talk…’ – NBA fans bluntly criticise Jaylen Brown after poor display against Boston CelticsMagic Johnson pinpoints why LA Lakers are really better without LeBron James this season