Knicks Welcome Back OG Anunoby
The Knicks experienced the same winning percentage this season without OG Anunoby as they did with him, but they were glad to have their standout defensive wing back for Friday night’s matchup.
Anunoby made his return from a left hamstring strain during the game against the Jazz at Madison Square Garden, contributing 11 points in 23 minutes and helping secure a 146-112 victory.
“It wasn’t enjoyable; it was pretty disappointing,” Anunoby reflected after the game. “I just tried to stay positive and support my teammates as much as possible. I want to have those explosive moments again to really get back to my true self.”
The Knicks hold a record of 6-3 in the nine games Anunoby missed since his injury sustained against the Heat on November 14.
With Anunoby back, Josh Hart, who previously sat on the bench until Anunoby’s injury, remains in the starting lineup, while Miles McBride is now back on the bench. It’s interesting how rotations shift, isn’t it?
Anunoby averaged 15.8 points in his first 12 games, shooting 39.2 percent from beyond the arc and reliably guarding top perimeter scorers. Quite a contribution, really.
Although Hart and McBride had been starting recently, the veteran guard Landry Shamet was sidelined due to a shoulder injury. This situation really adds a layer of complexity to team dynamics.
The lineup featuring Anunoby, Hart, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges was the most frequently used configuration last season under previous coach Tom Thibodeau.
“They worked well together last year, so that’s something I considered,” Brown explained. “But honestly, I’m not a strong believer in just starting five players who finish games. For me, it’s more about who’s going to end games effectively. What’s best for the team will dictate my choices.”
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson played against the Jazz, scoring 16 points with two 3-pointers, making quite the impression in his debut game after leaving Utah State in the summer to join the Knicks.
“Jordan is one of those players,” Jazz coach Will Hardy noted. “He’s incredibly creative, almost like an artist. I can’t micromanage him because that might lead to frustration on both sides. It’s best to give him space to shine when he feels the moment, but I also remind him to stick to more familiar plays for the majority of the game.”
Unfortunately for the Jazz, Walker Kessler and Georges Niang were unable to play due to injuries. It certainly adds to the challenges teams face during the season.
