DALLAS — After missing a week with a Grade 1 ankle sprain, Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson returned to the lineup on Wednesday — fittingly, in Dallas, where his NBA career began as the 33rd pick in the 2018 draft.

Brunson rolled his ankle on a drive late in the Knicks’ Nov. 12 loss to the Orlando Magic, immediately fouled to get himself subbed out, then hobbled to the locker room. He exited Madison Square Garden on crutches and in a walking boot and missed the next two games.

A week, though, was all the time the Knicks’ captain needed to make it back. Brunson has played fewer than 65 games in a season just once in his career, and those who know him best weren’t surprised he refused to stay sidelined longer than necessary.

“Just mental toughness. Just going through pain,” said Mikal Bri

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