At the beginning of 2024, the Knicks kicked off their season with a victorious 112-106 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Monday afternoon game held at the notable Madison Square Garden. This significant event not only gestures the start of OG Anunoby with the Knicks. But, also saw a remarkable debut, leaving an unforgettable impact on the court.
A key reason for the Knicks opting to exchange RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for the 27-year-old player is to rise from the team’s shortcomings in defense. Despite having a top-10 offensive rating, the Knicks faced challenges with a defensive rating that placed them in the lower position of the league.
OG Anunoby Game with Ball
OG Anunoby was certainly improving both, moving well off of the ball and being able to knock down outside shots. As well as playing impressive defense on Minnesota’s star player, Anthony Edwards. He was key in snapping New York’s three-game losing streak.
OG Anunoby wasn’t necessarily tasked with creating shots for himself but instead being ready for when Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. He did just that, getting multiple dunks off of being in position to score and knocking down three shots from deep. The Indiana University product is shooting 37.4% from three but 44% from the corner. OG proving that to be his sweet spot.
Edwards did end with 35 points, but it came with Anunoby fouling out. When he wasn’t on the floor, the defense looked slightly worse. In a modern NBA driven by offense, elite defenders are hard to come by, but Thibs’s strong suit is defense.
The only concern for this game was his playing time, resulting in him fouling out. Anunoby played 35 minutes before picking up six fouls, with 20 of those minutes coming in the first half. It makes sense because the Knicks’ bench looked weak after Quickley left New York. Whether it be another trade or free agent signing, this problem must be fixed.
Despite Brunson shooting 5-23, other Knick players poured in offense, with Randle having 39 points and Donte DiVincenzo having 16 points. Anunoby’s +19 led the team in plus-minus. The trade for OG looks good after game one at MSG. Barrett and Quickley also made their respective debuts against the Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena Monday night.
