OG Anunoby is back in the rotation after missing nine games for the Knicksleaving his mark with 21 points, seven rebounds and three steals during Sunday’s victory against Orlando. Although New York has gone a commendable 6-3 during this span, Anunoby’s absence and recent return to the lineup has only reiterated his importance to this team and its championship aspirations.
The Knicks may have traded away two local prospects and signed him to the biggest contract in franchise history for what he can ultimately do in April and May, but Anunoby also reminds us of his value in the regular season.
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Any conversation about Anunoby has to start with his solid defense, which has single-handedly brought the Knicks out of mediocrity this season. With Anunoby on the court, the Knicks are allowing 105.4 points per 100 possessions, tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but without him they are at 116.7, third last in the league.
It’s a glaring discrepancy that doesn’t exist with any other member of the rotation. His on/off numbers as a Knick remain absurd: he’s +154 in 426 minutes this season, recording just a negative +/- in a game all year.
These numbers not only stand out, but reflect the eye test well. Anunoby is their best one-on-one blocker and off-ball disruptor, often hired to do both while putting up numbers on the other end.
His presence was particularly missed against the tougher opponents they faced during his injury. The Heat, Magic, and Celtics all exposed weaknesses 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 were limited, and we saw a lack of discipline and execution late in the game on that end as Miami snuck to a victory. Franz Wagner scored 37 points in Orlando’s win, taking advantage of New York’s lack of size and switching options.
When the Knicks desperately needed stops against a star in their bag, they couldn’t turn to Anunoby against Jaylen Brownwho finished with 42 and the W. Now compare that to New York’s win over Orlando on Sunday.
Obviously there are factors beyond Anunoby, but he is the most important. And we haven’t yet talked about what he brought offensively this season as the head coach’s latest beneficiary. Mike Brownthe new system.
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) dribbles against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The new principles of spacing, movement and sharing the ball have allowed Anunoby to average one more drive per game despite playing six fewer minutes, and he’s converting more of those into scores, passes and assists. Learning to use his size and strength in more opportunities where the help is less present or less confident has opened up a ton of things for his game, like the game-clinching dunk against Orlando.
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He’s also shooting a career-high 40.9 percent from three, given the green light to use his big frame to shoot over defenders. All of this has made his game more effective without compromising the work he does at the other end of the court.
Now the Knicks are allowing him to return to full strength as they enter the second quarter of the season, having survived an initial rash of injuries with their spot at No. 2 in the East intact for now. It’s not a moment too soon, as New York’s schedule expands with Miami-Philadelphia-Minnesota-Cleveland as its Christmas sleigh and a West Coast trip early in the new year.
Anunoby’s return is huge and could potentially take their defense to new heights if they are able to build on what they learned from his departure. New York’s defense seemed to improve in some of its last few games against the Raptors and Hornets, hopefully due to development and not strength of schedule.
Anunoby’s return to offense shouldn’t be underestimated either, with Cities of Karl-Anthony he always finds his place, Mikal Bridges doesn’t explode without him and some key guys are still out. Expect him to have big matches as he finds his rhythm and Jalen Brunson needs a break.
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If this Knicks departure didn’t seem as dominant as some fans might have liked, that’s because it wasn’t. New York is a team with Anunoby and another without him, and it’s about to remind the basketball world why.
