In a stark turnaround from their recent scoring woes, the New York Knicks found rejuvenation with the return of OG Anunoby against the Philadelphia 76ers, leading to a commanding 106-79 victory during Tuesday’s NBA action.
Anunoby, back on the court after weeks sidelined due to an elbow injury, delivered a performance that highlighted just how much his presence means to the team.
“Everything felt good,” Anunoby shared about his return. “I was excited to be back out there. It was fun.”
This resurgence comes on the heels of a disheartening loss to the 76ers just days prior, where the Knicks managed only 73 points, marking the lowest total in an NBA game in over three years. However, with Anunoby back in action, New York took an early lead and maintained a 20-point advantage for most of the second half, securing a comfortable win.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, New York Knicks Updates
Anunoby’s contribution was not just in points but in energy and defense, posting 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, and a remarkable plus-28 in 29 minutes.
“I thought OG gave us a great lift for the first time back after a layoff,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “The energy and just the effort plays and the movement, the shooting, added a lot to the team.”
The game also featured the return of 76ers’ All-Star point guard Tyrese Maxey, who had been out due to the NBA’s concussion protocol. Despite Maxey’s efforts, the 76ers struggled offensively, especially in the absence of Joel Embiid, falling to 10-21 this season without their MVP.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, New York Knicks Updates
Thibodeau provided updates on Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson‘s injury status, offering a mix of news. Randle remains in a controlled contact phase with no clear timeline for a return to full practice.
“Just hasn’t had the contact yet,” Thibodeau said. “The conditioning is good, he’s shooting, doing individual work, that’s all good. He can do 5-0, that sort of thing. Light contact with the pads. That contact is what you would term controlled. You know what the move is, so you can brace yourself for it. There’s a progression to what you have to go through.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, New York Knicks Updates
Robinson’s return to contact practice appears imminent, signaling potentially good news for the Knicks’ frontcourt.
“He’s on the court,” Thibodeau said. “He can run, jump, no contact yet. But that should be coming soon so he’s making really good, steady progress.”
As the Eastern Conference standings tighten, with teams jockeying for position to avoid the play-in tournament, both the Knicks and 76ers are eyeing the return of their key players to bolster their playoff hopes.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, New York Knicks Updates
With Anunoby’s return marking a significant boost for the Knicks and the 76ers eagerly awaiting Embiid’s comeback, the Eastern Conference playoff race remains fiercely contested as teams prepare for the final stretch of the season.
