Offensive rebounding has long been the Knicks’ calling card. Even as the team’s offense shape-shifted from stylistically rugged to one that hummed with passing and shooting, the offensive boards remained a focal point of New York’s success.
On the biggest stage, a carom on the offensive end made for one of the top plays in franchise history. OG Anunoby’s tip-in with 1.2 seconds left led the Knicks to a 107-106 win against the Spurs in Game 4. New York trailed by as many as 29 points, making the game the largest comeback win in Finals history and the second 20-plus Finals comeback ever.
Now, just one game stands in the way of the Knicks winning the third championship in the team’s history and the first since 1973.
Here’s three keys to the Knicks potentially making history in Game 5…
Difference-maker
There’s a clear argument for Anunoby being New York’s best player in not only this series, but the entire playoff run. He’s been that good. In four games, Anunoby is averaging 23.5 points on 58 percent from the field, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks.
Now, you can add the tip-in and the block of Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox in the closing moments of Game 4 to the resume for Anunoby.
Everything is working for Anunoby, but the corners are where the Knicks’ two-way wing is thriving. He’s shooting 53.3 percent on corner three-point shots during the playoffs, per NBA Stats, and he’s converting 63.2 percent of those shots during the Finals.
On the other end, the game changed when Anunoby was switched on to Fox. He disrupted Fox, forcing the All-Star guard into turnovers and difficult shots. It was a career-defining moment, and it will be interesting to see if Anunoby can continue this stellar play in Game 5.
Comeback kids
This series has played out with a familiar theme in all four games. The Spurs have jumped out to double digit leads in the first quarter. But somehow, some way, the Knicks have won three of those contests.
And we’ve seen this story before.
New York came back from a 22-point fourth quarter deficit against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. In last year’s playoff run, the Knicks had two huge comebacks from 20-point deficits against the Boston Celtics in the second round.
It’s hard to analyze why this team is so good at facing sizable deficits. But it does speak to the team’s leadership. Captain Jalen Brunson’s even-keeled personality is a calming influence.
It also helps that the Knicks can often go to Brunson in the late stages of games, and he can create a good look for himself or his teammates more often than not.
It would be nice to see the Knicks actually take a lead in the first quarter, but going into Saturday night’s game, it’s easy to feel confident in the Knicks regardless of the scenario.
Extra ball-handler
The Spurs have thrown the kitchen sink at Brunson, applying full court pressure on the Knicks’ star, and occasionally bringing two to the ball.
With New York’s lack of ball handlers on the roster, one adjustment to make was creating more time for Jose Alvarado to play with Brunson in a two point guard alignment.
Alvarado closed the game. And the move worked to perfection. The point guard was a plus-11 on Wednesday night, recording eight points (all in the fourth quarter) and three assists in 16 minutes.
Alvarado was a pressure release valve for Brunson.
When the Knicks’ captain was trapped, Alvarado could catch and drive to the paint. He created an open corner three for Anunoby, faked a pass into a nifty finish around the basket, and nailed an important three-pointer while on the floor with Brunson.
The two point guards had never before shared the court during the postseason. But there were some signs the pairing could work. Alvarado and Brunson were a plus-15.8 points per 100 possessions in 114 minutes together during the regular season.
Heading into Game 5, Brunson and Alvarado playing together should be something the Knicks go to again.
Read the full article here