OG Anunoby is giving the Knicks a benefit they probably didn't expect.
The Knicks' newest star continued his exemplary play Tuesday against the Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden, scoring a team-high 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting and making four 3-pointers. I made it a success.
All of this happened as Anunoby became the first player in NBA history to post a plus/minus of over 100 in his first five games with his new team.
Through five games with the Knicks, Anunoby is plus-111, and New York is a perfect 5-0 since acquiring Anunoby in a trade with the Raptors.
“I think I'm getting better and better with each game,” Anunoby told MSG Network of how well he's doing with his new team.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau elaborated a bit more on Anunoby's early success.
“If that level continues, obviously I'll be very satisfied,” Thibodeau said. “When you join in the middle of the season, you make adjustments on the fly. It's about how quickly you can adapt.
“And I told him I feel like he's playing great because of his impact when he's on the floor.”
Anunoby's impact has been felt throughout the Knicks' lineup since his arrival.
In the five games he played, Jalen Brunson posted a plus/minus of 110 and Isaiah Hartenstein posted a plus/minus of 125.
“My ball movement has improved a lot.” Hartenstein said Regarding the addition of Anunoby. “Defensively, he's done a great job with the team defense. He makes my life so much easier, so it's been really nice to just have him.”
Anunoby had an explosive night on Tuesday, scoring 16 of his 23 total points in the first quarter, prompting chants of “OG” from the fans inside Madison Square Garden.
It was the first time the new Nick had received such treatment from the Garden Faithful.
“It was really cool,” he said.
