The New York Knicks are headed to the 2025 NBA Playoffs, as they have finally secured a berth in the postseason. However, there is some concern about their strength come the playoffs, with Jalen Brunson still sidelined by an ankle injury he suffered during an early March meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Since then, Brunson has missed 14 games. The expectation is that Brunson will be able to return to action even before the postseason.
The absence of the former Villanova Wildcats star, however, has given OG Anunoby to shine more on the court for the Knicks, who inked him to a five-year contract worth $212.5 million back in the summer of 2024.
New York head coach Tom Thibodeau has certainly noticed the aggressiveness and the effectiveness of Anunboy amid Brunson’s absence.
Via James L. Edwards III of The Athletic:
“He’s got a great mix going right now with attacking the rim, getting to the line and high-volume 3s … he’s not hesitating,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “It’s really, really good basketball. And his defense is elite.”
OG Anunoby has stepped up for the New York Knicks amid Brunson’s absence
The Knicks have managed to keep their head above water while Brunson recovers from his injury. Over the last 14 games, New York has gone 8-6.
Over the same stretch, Anunoby has averaged 23.1 points on a 47.2 field goal percentage, 5.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per outing. For comparison, Anunoby is averaging 17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists so far in the 2024-25 regular season.
As noted by Thibodeau, Anunoby has been trying to attack defenses by going to the hole more. That is evidenced by the fact that Anuboby, who is averaging 5.8 drives this season, has averaged 8.6 in the last 14 outings.
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