NBA REVIEW: Another mega star player committed to the OKC just…..
As OG Anunoby sprinted down the court with his team trailing by three points, he didn’t anticipate touching the ball. The rookie didn’t even expect the defense to notice him. Unexpectedly, as he turned his head, CJ Miles passed him the ball. With less than 12 seconds remaining in a crucial playoff game, Anunoby received the ball, used a pump-fake to send his defender flying, and nailed a three-pointer from the left wing, tying the game at 103.
Hitting such a crucial shot in a high-stakes game was undoubtedly exhilarating for Anunoby. However, his real “welcome-to-the-NBA” moment was yet to come. As he quickly retreated down the court, he faced the intimidating challenge of defending LeBron James, the NBA’s top player, from scoring another game-winner.
Despite staying composed and defending James as best he could, it wasn’t enough. James made the buzzer-beater, winning the game and effectively ending both the series and Anunoby’s rookie season.
Six years ago, Anunoby was already seen as a future two-way star. Today, he is not just remembered as the fearless rookie who went head-to-head with prime LeBron James, but as one of the most valuable players on a winning team. Since being traded to New York, Anunoby has become a driving force for the Knicks, arguably their MVP after Jalen Brunson.
Before acquiring Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors, the Knicks were just above .500 (30-29). With Anunoby in the lineup, they finished the season 20-3. The team’s defensive rating, previously near the bottom, improved to 107.8 after the trade. Anunoby seamlessly integrated into the Knicks, averaging 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks over 23 regular-season games, while shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from three-point range.
