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OG Anunoby is back in the rotation after missing nine games for the Knicks, leaving his mark with 21 points, seven rebounds, and three steals in Sunday’s win over Orlando. Though New York went a commendable 6-3 in that span, Anunoby’s absence and recent return to the lineup only reiterated his importance to this team and its championship aspirations.
The Knicks may have traded two homegrown prospects and signed him to the biggest contract in franchise history for what he can ultimately do in April and May, but Anunoby is giving us a staunch reminder of his value in the regular season, too.
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Any Anunoby conversation has to start with his stalwart defense, which has single-handedly lifted the Knicks from mediocrity this season. With Anunoby on the court, the Knicks are allowing 105.4 points per 100 possessions, on par with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but without him, they’re at 116.7, or bottom third in the league.
It’s a stark discrepancy non-existent with any other member of the rotation. His on/off numbers as a Knick remain absurd: he’s a +154 in 426 minutes this season, only recording one negative +/- in a game all year.
These figures don’t just stand out, but reflect the eye test well. Anunoby’s their best one-on-one stopper and off-ball disruptor, often engaged to do both while putting up numbers on the other end.
His presence was especially missed against the tougher opponents they faced during his injury. The Heat, Magic and Celtics all exposed weak points in the Knicks’ defense that Anunoby often makes up for.
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Anunoby is the stabilizer and anchor with Mitchell Robinson’s minutes and impact limited, and we saw a lack of discipline and late-game execution on that end when Miami snuck by a win. Franz Wagner scored 37 points in Orlando’s win, taking advantage of New York’s lack of size down low and switching options.
When the Knicks desperately needed stops against a star in his bag, they couldn’t turn to Anunoby against Jaylen Brown, who finished with 42 and the W. Now compare these to New York’s win over Orlando on Sunday.
Obviously, there are factors beyond…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/og-anunobys-importance-knicks-championship-151010174.html
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Publish date : 2025-12-09 15:10:00
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