How Knicks’ OG Anunoby is finding his rhythm post-injury

Lost in their two surprise blockbuster trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks re-signed OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million deal this offseason, far and away the largest in franchise history. The headlines naturally moved on quickly since the move was expected and well deserved following Anunoby’s ridiculous +353 plus-minus and the team’s 20-3 record with him in his half-season after being traded to New York.

But with that large contract came large expectations for Anunoby, set for a greater offensive load and tougher defensive task with Towns in the middle. While he lived up to them out of the gates, he hit a rough patch and subsequently missed six games with a toe injury, but looks to be on the upswing just in time for New York’s playoff chase.

Those questioning his contract and impact got a swift reminder these last three games. Against the Memphis Grizzlies, Anunoby was key in a Knicks comeback, scoring 19 points on 4-for-10 shooting from three, picking up two blocks and a steal while burying the game-winner.

He followed that up with a defensive masterclass in Miami, doing everything from shutting down All-Star Tyler Herro after a hot first half to switching onto big man Bam Adebayo, to blowing up off-screen movement for their shooters. He finished with 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks on 9-for-18 shooting from the field and 4-for-9 shooting from three.

Anunoby then showed off his multi-level scoring chops against the Warriors, lacing early mid-range jumpers en route to a team-high 29 points on 11-for-19 shooting. The Knicks ended up losing this one with Towns out of commission, to little fault of Anunoby.

It’s only three games, but Anunoby was New York’s second-leading scorer this past week, helping them take two of three against tough playoff opponents. This is a timely run for Anunoby, who was suffering through a prolonged dry spell before going down to injury.

He opened the season on fire, averaging 19.1 points and 2.2 stocks (steals plus blocks) on 42.2 percent shooting from three in 17 games, capping it off with a career-high 40-ball on the Nuggets.

Then, whether due to unknown injury, fatigue, or another factor, Anunoby shot 33.3 percent from three over a 32-game span, and looked a step slow defensively for much of it. He was still key in some of their winningest stretches of the season, with his off nights only highlighted during the team’s low points.

Following a five-game absence around All-Star Weekend, Anunoby had to get back in midseason from his first three games. He shot 9-for-28 from the field and 4-for-15 from three, and justifiably wasn’t his usual All-NBA-level defensive self.

Things have turned since. He’s every bit the $200 million dollar player the Knicks paid for, scoring over small guards to punish switching defenses, making an impact on the boards, scrambling over any gap in the team defense, and shooting the ball confidently.

Fears over New York’s chances of going deep in the playoffs may need re-contextualizing with a locked-in Anunoby. He had a historically strong impact on last year’s squad, and arguably had them Conference Finals-bound had he not injured his hamstring early in the second round.

Despite his up-and-down year, the numbers still paint him as a crucial Knick — only Towns has a bigger swing in Net Rating when on versus off the court. Anunoby averaging 1.4 steals and 0.9 blocks a night, and has been New York’s most engaged defender all season.

How impactful will Anunoby be for the more seasoned version of this team, now that he is healthy, rested, and looking increasingly reminiscent of his January and November 2024 self? Only time will tell, but if recent results are any indication, Anunoby finding his step again could help the Knicks reach new heights as they enter the playoffs.