ATLANTA — OG Anunoby Shines in Postseason
Entering this postseason, OG Anunoby was recognized as one of the league’s pivotal support players. However, by the end of the first round, he had clearly stepped into a star role.
In a first-round series packed with All-Stars, Anunoby stood out as the most exceptional player. During Game 6, the 28-year-old showcased his talents further, scoring 29 points, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out two assists, and making four steals. He shot an impressive 11-of-14 from the field, including 4-of-6 from three-point range, within just 29 minutes in a commanding 140-89 victory at State Farm Arena.
Earlier in the series, he contributed 26 points, alongside four steals and seven rebounds, helping the Knicks establish a playoff record with a 47-point halftime lead. Over the series, Anunoby averaged 21.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.8 steals, with shooting percentages exceeding 61% from the field and over 60% from beyond the arc (17-of-28).
Mikal Bridges, who had a stellar game himself with 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting, praised Anunoby. “[He was] doing everything — goaling, defense, rebounding, playmaking. I think he’ll keep that up for us,” he noted.
It’s quite remarkable to consider Anunoby’s journey since arriving from Toronto less than three years ago, in a trade that sent RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley north. His impact was immediate; the Knicks won 20 of their first 23 games with his defensive prowess. That season, after he suffered a hamstring injury, the team still managed to take a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Last year, Anunoby played a key role in the Knicks’ first trip to the conference finals in 25 years, averaging 16.3 points, 2.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks during the playoffs, aiding in their upset victory over the Celtics by containing Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
This season, Anunoby has been a reassuring presence, fueling the Knicks’ hopes of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
After recording 39 points, 20 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks in the Knicks’ previous two wins, Anunoby started Game 6 aggressively, nullifying any home-court advantage for Atlanta. It’s almost hard to believe the Hawks were ahead 11-9 just four minutes into the match.
Anunoby quickly hit two three-pointers followed by two steals, propelling the Knicks to a lead that would rapidly expand.
“OG was phenomenal,” said Knicks coach Mike Brown. “And he bounced back.”
He wrapped up the first quarter with 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, having successfully made all but one of his seven field-goal attempts.
As the second quarter unfolded, Anunoby’s dominant play ignited “OG” chants from the throngs of enthusiastic Knicks fans.
“We came out with intensity,” he stated, noting his plus-42 rating for the game. “We were ready to play from the jump…We know what we’re capable of. We are a great team, and we’ll keep building on that.”
While Anunoby managed only three shots in the second half, he departed the game with 5:24 remaining in the third quarter, the Knicks leading 103-52. Reflecting on the blowout, he mused, “I don’t know. Probably around high school.”
