One of the most important players for the New York Knicks heading into the 2024 NBA Playoffs is forward OG Anunoby. With him in the lineup alongside Jalen Brunson, the team has found massive amounts of success.
With both of them in the lineup, the Knicks have gone 22-3, which includes their two postseason wins over the Philadelphia 76ers. With them on the court, it is not a stretch to say that the Knicks are one of the best teams in the NBA.
Offensively, Brunson has been an elite player, carrying the load for New York with Julius Randle sidelined. Defensively, Anunoby sets the tone as arguably the best player on that end of the court.
Anunoby leaves a little something to be desired offensively, as is mostly deployed as a spot-up shooter around the perimeter. But he is so dominant on the defensive end of the court, that he more often than not still makes a positive impact despite some lackluster scoring nights.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks Updates
Through two games of the series against the 76ers, that versatility Anunoby has on the defensive end has been on full display. He has been the main matchup for Tyrese Maxey, as his length sometimes gives the dynamic guard fits.
But, he and the Knick have been at their best when he can shift onto one of the wing players with Miles McBride defending Maxey. In Game 2, Anunoby made his presence felt by shutting down Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid when matched up against them.
As shared by KnicksMuse on X, Anunoby was excellent when matched up against frontcourt players on the 76ers. Embiid went 0-for-3 when going against Anunoby, while Tobias Harris was 1-for-4.
Slowing down Maxey proved to be difficult for Anunoby, but he was able to get the job done in his other matchups. That is something the Knicks will have to keep an eye on as the series moves along, as hot starts by Maxey have led to New York being in some deep holes at the beginning of games.
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