OG Anunoby’s Impact on the Knicks
After a nine-game absence due to injury, OG Anunoby made a significant impact upon his return to the New York Knicks, contributing 21 points, seven rebounds, and three steals in a decisive victory against the Orlando Magic on Sunday. His presence on the court not only energized the team but also underscored his vital role in their quest for a championship.
Importance of Anunoby’s Presence
While during his time off the Knicks managed a decent 6-3 record, Anunoby’s absence highlighted just how crucial he is to their success. The franchise made a bold move by acquiring Anunoby—trading away two promising prospects and giving him the largest contract in Knicks history—believing in his potential for playoff success, but his contributions to the regular season are equally compelling.
Defensive Prowess
Primarily recognized for his exceptional defensive skills, Anunoby’s influence has dramatically lifted the Knicks’ performance this season. With him on the floor, the team allows an impressive average of 105.4 points per 100 possessions, which aligns them with other strong defensive teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder. In contrast, when he’s sidelined, that number balloons to a troubling 116.7, placing them among the league’s bottom tier defensively.
Such a stark contrast is not seen with any other player in the lineup.
Anunoby’s remarkable statistics include a +154 rating in 426 minutes of play this season, with only a single game recording a negative plus-minus rating. Unlike any other player, Anunoby’s impacts are evident both through analytics and observable play; he excels as a one-on-one defender and off-ball disruptor. His absence was particularly felt during matchups against stronger teams like Miami, Orlando, and Boston, which exploited the Knicks’ defensive lapses in his absence.
Stabilizing Force
Anunoby serves as an essential stabilizing force, especially while other key players like Mitchell Robinson are limited in their impact. The absence of Anunoby was glaring during losses, such as the game against Miami where late-game defensive discipline faltered. Likewise, in games against the Magic, opponents like Franz Wagner capitalized on the Knicks’ diminished size and defensive options without Anunoby on the floor.
Offensive Contributions
Despite factors beyond Anunoby influencing these outcomes, his presence undeniably shifts the balance. His enhanced offensive output this season, largely facilitated by coach Mike Brown’s revamped system, cannot be overlooked. Under this new framework, Anunoby has improved his average number of drives per game, despite a reduction in minutes played, effectively turning more of these opportunities into scores and assists.
He is capitalizing on his size to create scoring chances, evidenced by a game-deciding dunk against Orlando, and boasts a career-high three-point shooting percentage of 40.9%, allowing him to shoot over defenders with confidence.
Looking Ahead
As the Knicks now prepare for a tougher upcoming schedule featuring games against Miami, Philadelphia, Minnesota, and Cleveland, Anunoby’s timely return is pivotal. Strengthening their defense with Anunoby could raise their level of play as they enter this critical stretch. Furthermore, the Knicks have displayed improved defensive effort in recent games, suggesting developmental progress even amid their challenges.
As Anunoby re-establishes himself in the offensive rotation in the face of injuries to teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, expect to see his game shine as he finds his rhythm once more. The disparity in the Knicks’ dominance with and without Anunoby is stark, and as he rounds into form, basketball fans can anticipate him reminding everyone why he’s crucial to the Knicks’ ambitions this season.
