Amid OG Anunoby's imperfect offensive game, the rookie proved he can still impact wins.
In Friday's blowout win over the Sixers, he guarded multiple Sixers players of different heights (including Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey at times) and helped hold the home team to just over 40 percent shooting. did.
The Knicks outscored Philadelphia by 20 points in Anunoby's team-high 37 minutes.
Manager Tom Thibodeau is officially happy with the 3-0 start since signing Anunoby, who went just 3-for-11 and scored 11 points.
“I think we have a good core that's been together for a long time. So I think it can absorb the people that come in, and guys like OG are very serious,” Thibdaugh said. he said. “He wants to do well and I think his mind is open. He plays incredibly hard on every possession, so even if it's not perfect right now, it's going to be good. .
“Your effort makes up for a lot. And that's what he's actually doing. And day by day he's getting better and better and people are starting to understand him too. So it takes a little bit of time. But help as much as you can, hustle, get into passing lanes, take deflections, help on the boards, play physical, run the floor, move without the ball.
“Those are things he does great. And the more time goes on, the more places he'll get chances to score.”
Malachi Flynn made his Knicks debut on Friday, but he is also out of the rotation.
Thibodeau labeled the guard “situational” before Flynn racked up just a minute of garbage time. This is the term coaches use to describe players who are not part of the group of nine.
Point guard Flynn, acquired last week from the Raptors, arrived with an ankle injury and was inactive for the first two games.
Myles McBride, who recently signed a three-year contract extension, sparked Friday with 15 points as the backup to Jalen Brunson.
“We’ll see what happens,” Thibodeau said.
Jericho Sims, who started at center after Mitchell Robinson broke his ankle, is also out of the rotation after being traded. He logged two minutes of garbage time against the Sixers.
Isaiah Hartenstein will start, with rookie Precious Achiuwa serving as backup.
“Be prepared,” Thibodeau said. “[Sims] As I continue here, I'm sure I'll get another chance. ”
