Five matches, five victories. This is the record of the Knicks since the arrival ofOG Anunoby, and this night, Tom Thibodeau's players made short work of the Blazers. Both “glue guy” and “Swiss army knife”, the former Raptors winger proved that he could also contribute a lot in attack with 23 points, including 16 in the first quarter.
After five matches, Anunoby displays a +/- greater than 100 (+111), and the New York Post reports that this is a record for a new addition to a team. “I don’t know what to think about it, but I think it’s getting better and better, from match to match” he reacts. “We have a great team.”
Top scorer for the Knicks against Portland, Anunoby was entitled to his first “OG, OG, OG” at Madison Square Garden when shooting free throws, and Tom Thibodeau is more than delighted to be able to count on such a relay defensive on the field.
“He brings a lot, not only in defense, but also in the game without the ball, with his ball lifts, with his shots, and that will only improve over time,” assures the Knicks coach.
It makes life easier for everyone
Anunoby's contribution is already very high, and the five wins in five matches are the best proof of his successful integration.
“If he maintains this level, I would obviously be very happy,” smiles the Knicks coach. “When you come into a team in the middle of the season, you have to adapt on the job, and the question is how quickly you can adapt. I told him that he is already playing very well, simply by the impact he has on the pitch. »
This impact is therefore reflected in this +/- of +111 after five matches, but also that of his teammates: +110 for Jalen Brunson; +125 for Isaiah Hartenstein. “The ball circulates much better”, notes Hartenstein about the arrival of Anunoby. “Defensively, he does an excellent job collectively. It makes my life a lot easier.”
