Cleveland – OG Anunoby's long-awaited return didn't go very well.
The forward, who missed the previous five games with a right-footed sprain, scored just five points in 27 minutes and was unable to help the Knicks defended, crushed by the Cavaliers (142-105) on Friday night .
Coach Tom Thibodeau said he expects a bumpy performance.
“It was about me what it would turn out,” the coach said. “There were some good times early, but he had some rust to work on, but I thought he had good energy.”
In his first comment since last month, Anunoby only provided a short answer, but he alleviated concerns about third quarter play when he leaked out in court and held his leg.
“I'm just wrong,” he said.
Anunoby, who had his leg covered in ice after Friday's loss, named his injury “medium leg sprain” after ESPN called it a “toe injury.”
“It felt good to be back,” he said. “As the season progresses, I feel better.”
Anunoby, 27, was not playing against the Lakers on February 1, but walked into the locker room to Ginger after a contactless injury that occurred when LeBron James closed on the 3-point line. Ta.
The Knicks made an impressive 5-1 5-1 in his absence, indicating that it wasn't from last season.
Mitchell Robinson will remain while recovering from ankle surgery Friday night, with league sources saying centers will also miss Sunday's game in Boston.
Robinson hasn't played since April, but has returned to full contact practice this week.
While handing the bank over to the bank waiting for Robinson's return, the Knicks did not make a deal with the much needed frontcourt depth for the deadline.
Rookie Ariel Fuk Porti, who played 20 minutes on Friday, is currently a backup centre.
“It's just his energy [is what I like]. That's the biggest thing,” Thibodeau said of the rookie. “There is always a learning part about what he does.
“He has more energy in a guy than trying to get him to get him. He always has good energy. And obviously there's a lot of room for improvement.”
