All 14 games OG Anunoby played for the New York Knicks after December 30 trade were electric. There is no other word to describe what it was like. The New York defense was stifling. The offense went better. The Knicks were considered a serious contender.
Then January 27 came. In a game against the Heat, Julius Randle dislocated his shoulder and OG Anunoby injured his elbow. Anunoby missed a few games with elbow inflammation, but that injury later turned into bone spur irritation. After the trade deadline, the Knicks reported that he was operated to remove a loose bone fragment in his elbow.
New York fans were desperate. Mitchell Robinson was out, Randle was sidelined and Anunoby was expected to miss extended time. Without three starters, the Knicks went 7-9 and fell to No. 5 in the East. Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo and Isaiah Hartenstein also missed time.
With about five weeks remaining in the regular season, the clock is ticking for New York. Fans have started to wonder if the team will be at full strength again before the playoffs.
Fortunately, on Thursday, Tom Thibodeau provided a very exciting update on Anunoby.
OG Anunoby is doing contact drills and now playing five-on-five, Tom Thibodeau said. It looks like he’s getting closer. Thibodeau said he is now day to day, but has not yet been cleared to play fully.
– Fred Katz (@FredKatz) March 7, 2024
This is huge news! New York has two games left this week, starting with Orlando on Friday. After that, Philadelphia will be in town for two games at MSG, one on Sunday and the other on Tuesday. It is not an exaggeration to think that Anunoby could be back for one of the games against the Sixers.
If that’s the case, he’ll have a month left of the regular season to get back into shape and prepare for the playoffs.
The Knicks will still be without Robinson and Randle, both of whom are expected to return before the end of the season. When Randle returns, the offense, especially Brunson, will get a boost. In the meantime, Anunoby will help New York maintain control on both ends of the court, especially on defense.
Following. 20 People Who Turned Their Backs on the Knicks. 20 People Who Turned Their Backs on the Knicks. dark
