Francisco Lindor motivated by inspiring Knicks title win as Mets return inches closer

Francisco Lindor has taken another step in his recovery from a strained left calf that’s sidelined him since April, as the shortstop has begun running the bases.It’s one of the latest signs that Lindor expects to be back soon, even as he opts not to publicly disclose a potential return date.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.

But as The Post’s Jon Heyman reported, Lindor could be back by the third week of June, which is quickly approaching, and president of baseball operations David Stearns noted they expect him back by the end of the month.If the Mets really do intend to turn around what’s been a rotten first few months of the season, they’ll need their star shortstop to be there — and productive.Lindor is in his sixth season with the Mets.He and his family live in Manhattan, and the 32-year-old understands the pulse of the city.Naturally, Lindor understands what the Knicks’ first title in over half a century means — and what it could mean for the Mets.“It’s a great moment to be a New York sports fan,’’ Lindor told The Post on Sunday when the Mets beat the Braves 8-1 to win the series.

“I’m proud of that group.All they talked about after they won last night is how they played for each other.”Like these Mets, the Knicks were down a long time before finally getting the title, as James Dolan said immediately after the clincher, when he apologized for the championship having taken so long to return to New York.“Even the owner said it,’’ Lindor said.

“We know what it’s like.We don’t need more inspiration, but something like that, seeing them win, of course it motivates us as players and is inspiring.

Want to win here and when you have history being made in this city like they did, it gives you goose bumps and gets you excited for the ‘what ifs.’ ”For those “what ifs” to have a chance to become reality, Lindor has t...