In a compelling return following an 18-game hiatus, OG Anunoby’s performance led the Knicks towards a strong bounce-back win, reminiscent of their transformation to one of the NBA’s premier defensive entities last January. Anunoby’s first start since his elbow injury late in January resulted in the Knicks triumphing over their divisional adversary, the 76ers, 106-79, amidst late-game chants exclaiming ‘Philly sucks’ from the Garden crowd.
During his re-entry, Anunoby put up solid numbers, including 14 points, contributing to an impressive plus-28 over 29 minutes. This marked his first event since January 27, causing excitement both on and off the court. The Knicks heightened overall record to 38-27 and a remarkable 13-2 when Anunoby is on the court, indicating his vital role in the team’s success. Having joined the squad in late December from the Raptors, Anunoby expressed his joy about returning to the game.
Anunoby expressed his relief and happiness, acknowledging the warmth shown by the crowd and his teammates as he made his return from injury. He declared, ‘It was fun! It was great. I’ve missed playing here, missed the fans, and my teammates. So it was a great feeling for sure.’ Anunoby filled in Precious Achiuwa’s slot in the starting lineup while backup center Jericho Sims was given a rest from the rotation for the time being.
Josh Hart continued to impress in the starting five, recording his fourth triple-double of the season with stats comprising 20 points, a career-high equaling 19 rebounds, and 10 assists in 39 minutes. Likewise, Jalen Brunson demonstrated strong offensive prowess by netting 20 points and 9 assists, and Achiuwa made a notable 13-point contribution from the bench.
The Knicks clearly missed Anunoby’s impact during his absence, dropping 10 of the 18 games they played without him. With his return, the defensive prowess was obvious, culminating in a first-time achievement for the Knicks, limiting their previous three opponents to under 80 points, a result not seen since 2000.
Affirming Anunoby’s influence on the game, Coach Thibodeau praised the player for the drive he projected and the overall impact he provided after his break, crediting him for the team’s invigorated energy. ‘OG instilled a tremendous spike of vitality within our team. Just the effort plays, the movement, and the overall shooting, added significantly to the game,’ the coach expressed.
In parallel, Thibodeau also lauded Josh Hart for his all-around significant inputs, which encompassed his scoring, defending, rebounding, and playmaking abilities. ‘Josh Hart was remarkable. His defense, rebounding, scoring, playmaking— everything, just all-around play was impressive’ Thibodeau added.
With key team members Julius Randle (shoulder) and center Mitchell Robinson (ankle) out with injuries, out of Knicks’ usual front-line starters, Anunoby was the first to return to action after being green-lighted for full practice the preceding week. The news of Anunoby’s return was greeted with humorous relief by Hart, who teasingly declared, ‘He’s back, our savior is back.’
Hart commended Anunoby for being the player who offered versatility in both defense and offense. He took a jab at their previous match, which was a slump they eagerly wanted to overcome. ‘Anunoby spaces the court with his shooting, and is a titan on defense,’ Hart described of Anunoby’s influence on the game.
Unfazed by their disappointing achievement of a season-low 73 points and 21 turnovers, often referred to as ‘a poor performance’ by Hart and Brunson, the Knicks surged to an early 17-7 lead in Tuesday’s first quarter. Supporting the early advantage, Anunoby managed to sink his first couple of shots, a midrange jumper along the baseline within the first minute, followed by an equally impressive 3-point shot soon after.
The Knicks thoroughly executed their game plan in the first quarter, resulting in a dominant 26-14 lead over the 76ers, restricting them to just six field goals from 18 attempts. All starters excelled, showcasing a plus-10 or better performance. The outset of the game was dominated by the Knicks, with players such as Kelly Oubre and Buddy Hield narrowing the gap with an 8-0 run for Philly in the second quarter.
Brunson managed to locate Anunoby for an energizing fast-break dunk, exhilarating the home audience as the gap closed to just seven points. Following suit, Donte DiVincenzo chipped in 16 points with multiple three-pointers, and Brunson managed to add to the lead yet again, ensuring a comfortable 59-41 score by halftime.
Further fueling the Knicks’ momentum, Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein each scored exciting dunks, catalyzing a key 22-4 scoring run that led to a dominant 87-61 lead entering the concluding period. ‘We played to our strengths. We increased our speed, managed the ball better, and rebounded efficiently’, Hart conveyed.
Hart praised Anunoby’s comprehensive contribution to the team, saying, ‘He excelled on all fronts. He seized opportunities to score and was solid on defense. That’s his game. It’s a joy to have him out there. He truly helps drive this team forward.’
In conclusion, Anunoby’s comeback manifested in a spirited performance, sparking the Knicks to avenge their previous defeat and seize a decisive victory against the 76ers. His blend of defensive tenacity, offensive potency, and overall game impact undeniably set him apart as a vital component of the Knicks’ success, with teammates and coaches alike expressing their delight at his return.