Arrived as the “head of the gondola” of a trade also involving Miles McBride And Precious Achiuwa in exchange forImmanuel Quickley And RJ Barrett, OG Anunoby experienced a transition between 2023 and 2024 that was turbulent to say the least.
After learning of the formalization of his departure from Toronto for New York and spending New Year's Eve alone in a hotel room in the “Big Apple”, the British-Nigerian winger prepared for his first match under his new colors which were not a gift, with the reception of Minnesota, the leader of the Western conference!
The transition ultimately went rather well, since in addition to having played 35 minutes for 17 points and 6 rebounds, his Knicks won 112 to 106. He also distinguished himself with the best +/- of the match, at +19!
“I felt good. I just tried to help the team on both ends of the pitch.”, he confided after the meeting, also returning to this lightning integration which ultimately went well. “I was talking to the guys on defense and they were talking to me too, so I knew where I needed to be, but it went well. Even during the match, they were telling me: 'Go here, do this.' Yes, they definitely helped me, a lot of them. And I’m grateful to them.”
Validated by Tom Thibodeau and Julius Randle
Appreciated by Tom Thibodeau for his versatility and his ability to influence the game in defense, OG Anunoby notably had to deal with Anthony Edwards, author of 35 points but 11/21 shooting and 4 lost balls en route. For his new coach, this first outing was clearly conclusive.
“I think for a first match, it’s impressive. Just being ready and kind of handling it in the moment. He played smart and played well with others. He fought, he moved well without the ball, and made some good shots, made some good decisions. It was a very good start.”
Enough to establish a good base with a view to relaunching the dynamic around Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, with OG Anunoby potentially as a third threat. Julius Randle also took the opportunity to congratulate his new teammate after deploring the departure of two of his “brothers” following the announcement of the trade.
“He’s a competitor. He takes shots at the right time, all while defending against the best opposing player. It's not easy to do what he did.” recalled Julius Randle, hero of the evening with 39 points.
| OG Anunoby | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2017-18 | TOR | 74 | 20 | 47.1 | 37.1 | 62.9 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 5.9 |
| 2018-19 | TOR | 67 | 20 | 45.3 | 33.2 | 58.1 | 0.9 | 2.1 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 7.0 |
| 2019-20 | TOR | 69 | 30 | 50.5 | 39.0 | 70.6 | 1.2 | 4.1 | 5.3 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 10.6 |
| 2020-21 | TOR | 43 | 33 | 48.0 | 39.8 | 78.4 | 1.3 | 4.3 | 5.5 | 2.2 | 2.7 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 15.9 |
| 2021-22 | TOR | 48 | 36 | 44.3 | 36.3 | 75.4 | 1.5 | 4.0 | 5.5 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 17.1 |
| 2022-23 | TOR | 67 | 36 | 47.6 | 38.7 | 83.8 | 1.4 | 3.5 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 16.8 |
| 2023-24 | TOR | 27 | 33 | 48.9 | 37.4 | 71.7 | 0.9 | 3.0 | 3.9 | 2.6 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 15.1 |
| Total | 395 | 29 | 47.3 | 37.5 | 74.2 | 1.1 | 3.2 | 4.3 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 11.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
