Thirteen victories for two defeats. This is the Knicks' record when OG Anunoby is lined up, and last night, the former Raptors winger made a largely winning comeback as New York won 106-79 against the Sixers! Injured on January 27, then elbow surgery at the beginning of February, OG Anunoby resumed his good habits with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 interception, on defense, and a +/- of +28 in 29 minutes!
“OG gave us a good boost for his return,” underlines Tom Thibodeau. “Energy, effort, movement and his shots brought a lot to the team. »
The person concerned “perfectly felt” for this recovery. “I missed playing here, I missed the fans, I missed my teammates. It was a great feeling! » he summarizes.
He can defend on anyone
Facing him, Nick Nurse, his former coach at the Sixers, and the latter praises the defensive qualities of OG Anunoby. “He’s one of the best defenders I’ve coached. He can defend in all positions. From Nikola Jokic one night, to Bradley Beal another night, or even Kawhi Leonard. He's a really good defender. »
What also appeals to Tom Thibodeau is his ability to blend into any five lined up. “It adapts to everyone. He can play without the ball. He can shoot. He can do hand to hand. He is good in the game without the ball, to cut towards the circle… He is very good in the transition game” lists the Knicks coach. “He can play with our starters, he can play with the substitutes… He can play winger or power forward, but we can also play him as a second back. He can defend on anyone. He is truly unique. »
The good news for OG Anunoby is that “his elbow is much better than in January”. “I’m happy and it should get better” he concludes, as the Knicks embark on a four-game “road trip” to the West.
