While OG Anunoby’s offensive contributions were readily apparent in the box score, it was his exceptional late-game defense that truly captivated the Madison Square Garden crowd on Tuesday night.
The ninth-year forward faced the daunting task of containing a fully healthy and active Zion Williamson. Although he shared defensive responsibilities with Karl-Anthony Towns, it was Anunoby who emerged as the decisive factor in the crucial moments, leading the Knicks to a 121-116 victory over the Pelicans, marking their seventh consecutive win.
In the fourth quarter, with the Knicks maintaining a 100-94 lead with just nine minutes remaining, Williamson, the 2019 No. 1 overall pick, attempted a powerful spin-and-shoot move in the paint against Anunoby. The Knicks’ star defender decisively denied him, leaping to swat the ball to the baseline. Williamson reacted with visible frustration at the missed opportunity as Knicks fans roared in approval of the rejection.
“It all came down to anticipating,” Anunoby explained after the win.
Prior to that pivotal play, the 28-year-old also secured a steal from the Pelicans star when Williamson lost control of the ball. On the subsequent offensive possession, former Pelican Jose Alvarado connected with Mohamed Diawara for a successful jump shot. Anunoby finished the game with an impressive three steals and one block.
“Our defensive player of the game was OG,” stated Knicks coach Mike Brown. “He guarded a lot of different players throughout the game, but to close the game the way he did against Zion, he’s a monster. He’s a handful for anybody, but for OG to be able to do the job that he did on him down the stretch was huge.”
The last time the Knicks faced Williamson on December 29, he had dominated them with 32 points.
On Tuesday, however, the Knicks held Williamson to 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting, a performance that, while efficient, lacked the dominant impact he previously demonstrated.
“I was just trying to make it difficult for him,” Anunoby elaborated on his strategy. “Trying to make the catches difficult, push them out further and then just play one-on-one defense. I have great teammates who help me out, communicating what’s behind me. Just executing.”
Anunoby also made significant offensive contributions, scoring 21 points and helping the Knicks move closer to securing the East’s No. 2 playoff seed. He shot 7-for-16 from the field and added four rebounds and four assists. He also recorded a plus-17 rating for the game.
“We have great defensive pieces all over the floor, so we’ve just been executing, communicating better, and it’s been showing on the court,” Anunoby concluded.
