OG Anunoby Shines in Knicks’ Season Opener
It felt just right that OG Anunoby’s reverse dunk became the standout moment of the game.
On the opening night of the season, the Knicks’ most understated player made the loudest statement. With just 34.7 seconds remaining, his dunk extended the Knicks’ lead to 10 points, effectively sealing a 119-111 win against the Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Notably, Anunoby contributed the last four points for his team.
Those final points actually put him ahead of Jalen Brunson, who led the team with 24 points, shooting 9-for-17 from the field and 4-for-9 from beyond the arc.
But Anunoby’s impact wasn’t just about scoring.
In the lead-up to the season, he had expressed a strong desire to win the Defensive Player of the Year award and to make the All-Defensive First Team, feeling overlooked in previous seasons. He certainly started the season on the right foot.
“OG was a beast,” coach Mike Brown remarked. “He was our defensive standout tonight. I believe he had six or seven deflections and guarded a range of players, handling different situations very well.”
Mikal Bridges commented, “Playing with OG, you get to see his skills. It’s wild to think he could take the ball right from someone in the corner. He has that sort of ability.”
Additionally, Anunoby was a force on the boards, pulling down 14 rebounds, which tied his career high.
After hearing Coach Brown laud him as a “monster,” Anunoby responded in his typically modest fashion. “I’m just trying to play hard,” he said. “I want to do my best to help the team win.”
Brown’s offensive strategy aims to alleviate pressure on Brunson while integrating more perimeter scoring. Last season, when Brunson was sidelined, Anunoby often stepped up as a primary scorer. However, there were times, particularly when Brunson was available, when Anunoby didn’t assert himself as much.
Wednesday’s performance was a positive indicator of his ongoing engagement on offense.
“The game dictates what you should do,” Anunoby offered. “Each game will present different challenges, but as we grow more comfortable with each other, our performance will keep improving.”
