OG Anunoby has proven to be a vital asset for the New York Knicks since his acquisition in December.
Standing at 6-foot-7, the small forward boasts formidable defensive skills and has been shooting 3-pointers at an impressive 39.4% rate this season. In Wednesday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden, Anunoby showcased his scoring prowess by netting 28 points, including sinking 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.
While Anunoby’s stellar performance significantly contributed to the Knicks’ 2-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, his game was cut short in the third quarter due to a sore hamstring. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, during his postgame press conference, indicated that he was yet to receive an update on Anunoby’s condition from the training staff.
In addition to his scoring output, which ranked second on the team behind Jalen Brunson’s 29 points, Anunoby contributed with four rebounds, three assists, and one block. He finished the game shooting 10-for-19 from the field and registered a plus-10 plus/minus rating in 28 minutes of action, marking his highest-scoring playoff game of the season and the second-highest scoring game overall, following a 29-point performance against the Raptors earlier in the year.
The Knicks acquired Anunoby in a trade on Dec. 30, which saw guards RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, along with a 2024 second-round pick, head to the Raptors in exchange for Anunoby, forward Precious Achiuwa, and guard Malachi Flynn.
Throughout eight playoff games with the Knicks, Anunoby has been averaging 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc.
Anunoby’s basketball journey began with the Toronto Raptors, where he steadily developed into a formidable player. Since being drafted by the Raptors with the 23rd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Anunoby has showcased consistent improvement, culminating in his stellar performance during the 2021-22 season, where he led the league in steals, earned All-Defensive second-team honors, and placed seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Originally from Jefferson City, Missouri, Anunoby emerged as a hidden gem from the 2015 recruiting class, joining Indiana University under the guidance of former coach Tom Crean. Despite facing adversity with a season-ending knee injury during his sophomore year, Anunoby’s potential was evident, and he made significant contributions to the team’s success.
As the Knicks prepare for Game 3 in Indianapolis, they’ll be hoping for Anunoby’s swift recovery. However, if he’s unable to play, forward Precious Achiuwa could see an increase in playing time after a solid performance in Wednesday’s game, where he logged 28 minutes on the court.
