With OG Anunoby back, everyone can breath a little bit

THE New York Knicks received a huge boost ahead of their match against the Philadelphia 76ers when it was announced forward OG Anunoby would return. Anunoby, that the Knicks acquired from the Toronto Raptors just before turning the calendars to 2024, had not played since January 27.

There’s been a huge void since OG got injured, and last night was a great reminder of what he brings. The six-foot-seven forward has a seven-foot-two wingspan and flaunts it often. His impact was felt immediately when he scored the first basket of the game for the Knicks on a step-back jumper.

Anunoby managed to get up and shoot Tobias Harris. For someone who hadn’t played a match in 44 days, it was great to see him being aggressive from the start. As good as guys like Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, Miles McBride and Precious Achiuwa are, they don’t play as well as OG or have his ability to elevate. This is no fault of the four players mentioned who were terrific; this is a testament to the level OG can play at.

As stated in the title, Anunoby’s return to the field relieves everyone. He only scored 14 points last night, but made 6/11 field goals and shot 2/5 from three. Six of those points were scored in the paint, which is notable considering New York hasn’t been able to score near the basket. In their last ten games, the Knicks have scored an average of 38.8 points per game. This is the lowest average in the NBA, with the Phoenix Suns in 29th at 41.2. OG can help with inside scoring, and he’s averaging 7.3 PITP in his 15 career games with the Knicks.

He’s also shot 39.1 percent from three since joining the Knicks. It’s a substantial difference that Anunoby is roaming the corners or over the key compared to some of his teammates. Josh Hart was excellent Tuesday night and finished the game with 20 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists. Hart is much better on offense than in the rim, where he shot 32.4 percent from three this season. Donte DiVincenzo will also benefit from teams having to worry about another shooter on the floor. DiVincenzo has been excellent in the catch-and-shoot position this season. The old Villanova Wildcat is averaging 8.1 points and shooting 40.2 percent from three on catch-and-shoots this season. Anunoby on the ground should mean less attention to Donte, and good luck stopping him when he feels it.

The Knicks have averaged 100 points per game on 42.9% field goal shooting and 35% from three in their ten games since the All-Star break. OG is averaging 15.5 points while shooting over 50 percent from FGAs and over 39 percent from three. He shoots over 71 percent in the restricted area and has a knack for finding the ball. Anunoby is excellent at cutting and making himself available, rather than running towards the ball like many players tend to do. He’s never the player around whom a team structures an offensive game plan, but he quietly picks these teams apart when they make defensive mistakes or poor rotations.

As always, Anunoby finished the match with a +28 in 28 minutes. OG has been historically good in his first 15 games with the Knicks. New York is 13-2 in games he has played.

Oh, and he’s also very good on defense.

Welcome back, OG Anunoby; We missed you.

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