NEW ORLEANS — Before the Knicks' annihilation of the Timberwolves began, Julius Randle was scoring angrily.
He led Precious Achiuwa and scored 15 points in the first quarter as New York trailed by as many as seven points.
It was clear that Randle, filled with anger and a desire to take down his former team, was trying to force the issue. The Timberwolves could have won or lost with him.
So Tom Thibodeau switched to Randle for the defensive equalizer, setting up the Knicks' 133-107 blowout victory on Thursday.
When Achiuwa was the primary defender, Randle went 5-of-7, had two assists and had no turnovers.
When OG Anunoby was the primary defender, Randle recorded 1-of-6 shooting, one assist, and two turnovers, but was frustratingly immobile.
“We know that OG has put a lot of people in prison, regardless of whose side they're on,” Josh Hart said. “He’s the right guy for us to bring to the island with anybody, big or small, and he’s going to change his shots.
“I can't understand how he does it half the time. Sometimes when he guards like [76ers point guard] Tyrese Maxey, and he can influence the shot and stay in front of him because he knows Tyrese is fast as hell and OG isn't. …And when you line him up with a guy like Julius, he’s big, he can play in the post, he can hold his own. I mean, he's a monster on his own on defense and could definitely be a first-team or second-team All-Defenseman. We're happy with the matchup against him and against everyone. ”
Until a few weeks ago, Anunoby was seeing more ball handling and carrying the two-way numbers of an All-Star candidate.
The offensive highlight was a 40-point outburst at Denver on November 25th.
But then his shot dried up and Mikal Bridges, a more dynamic and versatile scorer, started collecting more chances.
There's only one ball and if the shot doesn't fall, it won't reach Anunoby.
Entering Saturday night's game against the Pelicans, he was averaging just 12.6 points on 38 percent shooting over his past 10 games.
Through the first 17 games of the season, Anunoby averaged 19.1 points on 52.4 percent from the field.
It's a big difference, but the beauty of Anunoby is that his offensive struggles go largely unnoticed because of his defensive impact.
“That's who he is,” Bridges said. “Ever since I've known OG, he's just been a threat. I think that's what he stole from Julius when Julius was trying to isolate me. [when Anunoby lunged in for the steal]I thought, “Ah.'' That surprised me.
“So he's just stuck at home doing little things. We appreciate that and we need that too.”
Anunoby's traditional defensive numbers aren't impressive, but he led the Knicks in steals (1.6 per game) and blocks (1.1) entering Saturday's game.
However, as Hart mentioned, if the Knicks' defense improves, Anunoby should earn a second All-Defense selection.
It's a rare honor for the Knicks.
The most recent selection for this series was Tyson Chandler over a decade ago. In front of him? Charles Oakley, 1994.
Anunoby, who has few public emotions or words, understands his mission.
“You just make it as difficult as possible for your opponent,” he said.
