OG Anunoby is back in the rotation after missing nine games for the Knicks, leaving his mark with 21 points, seven rebounds, and three steals in Sunday’s win over Orlando. Though New York went a commendable 6-3 in that span, Anunoby’s absence and recent return to the lineup only reiterated his importance to this team and its championship aspirations.
The Knicks may have traded two homegrown prospects and signed him to the biggest contract in franchise history for what he can ultimately do in April and May, but Anunoby is giving us a staunch reminder of his value in the regular season, too.
Any Anunoby conversation has to start with his stalwart defense, which has single-handedly lifted the Knicks from mediocrity this season. With Anunoby on the court, the Knicks are allowing 105.4 points per 100 possessions, on par with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but without him, they’re at 116.7, or bottom third in the league.
It’s a stark discrepancy non-existent with any other member of the rotation. His on/off numbers as a Knick remain absurd: he’s a +154 in 426 minutes this season, only recording one negative +/- in a game all year.
These figures don’t just stand out, but reflect the eye test well. Anunoby’s their best one-on-one stopper and off-ball disruptor, often engaged to do both while putting up numbers on the other end.
His presence was especially missed against the tougher opponents they faced during his injury. The Heat, Magic and Celtics all exposed weak points in the Knicks’ defense that Anunoby often makes up for.
Anunoby is the stabilizer and anchor with Mitchell Robinson’s minutes and impact limited, and we saw a lack of discipline and late-game execution on that end when Miami snuck by a win. Franz Wagner scored 37 points in Orlando’s win, taking advantage of New York’s lack of size down low and switching options.
When the Knicks desperately needed stops against a star in his bag, they couldn’t turn to Anunoby against Jaylen Brown, who finished with 42 and the W. Now compare these to New York’s win over Orlando on Sunday.
Obviously, there are factors beyond Anunoby, but he’s the biggest one. And we’ve yet to touch on what he’s brought offensively this season as the latest beneficiary of head coach Mike Brown’s 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 spacing, motion, and ball-sharing principles have allowed Anunoby to average one extra drive per game despite playing six fewer minutes, and he’s converting more of them into scores, passes and assists. Getting to utilize his size and strength in more opportunities where help is less present or confident in coming over has opened up a ton for his game, like the game-sealing dunk against Orlando.
He’s also shooting a career-high 40.9 percent from three, given the full green light to use his big frame to shoot over defenders. All this has made his game more efficient without compromising the work he’s done on the other end of the court.
Now the Knicks have him getting back to full strength as they enter the second quarter of the season, having survived an initial wave of injuries with their spot at second in the East intact for now. Not a moment too soon, as New York’s schedule beefs up with Miami-Philadelphia-Minnesota-Cleveland as their Christmas sled and a West Coast trip early in the new year.
Having Anunoby back in tow is huge, and could potentially bring their defense to new heights if they’re able to build on what they learned when he was gone. New York’s defense seemed to improve in some of their later games against the Raptors and Hornets, hopefully as a result of development and not strength of schedule.
Anunoby’s return to the offense shouldn’t be understated either, with Karl-Anthony Towns still finding his footing, Mikal Bridges not exploding without him and some key guys still out. Expect him to have some big games as he finds his rhythm and Jalen Brunson needs a breather.
If this Knicks start hasn’t felt as dominant as some fans might have liked, it’s because it hasn’t been. New York is one team with Anunoby and another without him, and he’s about to remind the basketball world why.
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