OG Anunoby missed the first NBA Finals run of his career when the Raptors won the title in 2019, as he was sidelined for the playoffs due to an emergency appendectomy. But this upcoming series is exactly why the Knicks traded two homegrown fan favorites for him in 2023, Peter Sblendorio writes for the New York Daily News.
Anunoby has been one of the most impactful players in the 2026 playoffs. While a hamstring injury in the second round represented a temporary setback, it only cost him two games. In the other 12, he has averaged 19.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while hitting 48.3% of his three-pointers in addition to making high-level defensive contributions.
He is also coming off being named to the second All-Defense team of his career, but he has yet to face a matchup like the one the Spurs will present. He says he’s ready for the task, though.
“I was younger back then, so I didn’t realize how hard it is to get back,” Anunoby said of the Toronto run. “Getting back is amazing. It takes a lot, and I’m really excited.”
We have more from the Knicks:
- Many have noted how important Anunoby will be when it comes to guarding Victor Wembanyama, but they’ll also need to figure out how to attack the Defensive Player of the Year on the other end. “The Spurs are going to try to keep Wembanyama out of pick-and-rolls,” a Western Conference coach told Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. “They’re going to try to keep him as the lowest man on the weak side so that he can always be at the rim. The Knicks will try to fight that and counter that. And because they have so many people who can help Brunson as a screener, they need to involve Wembanyama. Get him out of the basket area and get him into the play.” Another coach notes the importance of Jalen Brunson attacking in transition and getting into looks before Wembanyama can get set on defense. On defense, the team will have to trust its own strengths, Sblendorio writes. “I don’t know if you can really prepare for [everything Wembanyama does], because there’s not a situation that’s similar,” Josh Hart said. “For us, I think if we focus on ourselves and focus on the habits that we’re building, we’ll put ourselves in good situations to be successful.”
- Jordan Clarkson is a San Antonio native who grew up watching the Tim Duncan-led Spurs win championships. He’s looking forward to coming back home and preventing the Wembanyama-led Spurs from doing the same, writes Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. “Definitely feels amazing, kind of unreal, honestly, just growing up in this city, having a teammate (second-year forward Kevin McCullar Jr.) that went to the same high school as me,” Clarkson said. “Playing the state championship games, just a lot of growth fan here as a kid. So this definitely feels great and seeing my family members, them being able to come to a finals game. It’s just amazing.”
- In case you missed it, Mitchell Robinson has been designated as questionable for Wednesday’s Game 1 after going through practice on Tuesday. He remains a game-time decision. His presence, or lack thereof, will be a key aspect of the Knicks’ approach to the series, both on defense and on the offensive glass.
OG averaging 6.9 rebounds, not assists, that’d be wild lol
That makes much more sense. I was like, “6.9 assists? For real???”
The Knicks need this. SA got lucky in 3 separate drafts. This has to be New Yorks best chance. So many years or misery and heartache. So many horrible seasons and never won the lottery after Patrick.
Mitch, at times, seems destined to be a tragic figure. The pinky is just the latest thing. Still, if Mitch can get right, then this series (checking Wemby) can still be a great platform for him. Nobody is going to shut down Wemby, but I think Mitch will give him more issues than any C that’s guarded him in the playoffs, and he’s seen Gobert and Chet.
Yeah Mitch can definitely give him trouble guarding him. He’s a different look than Towns. Imo he needs to sit for first two games if possible. Have him ready for gm3. I believe in Hukporti for 15-18 mins.
I’d play wemby on bridges if I’m Mitch Johnson.
He’s their worst ball screener, and only shoots well for three from the corner. He also won’t be able to get off his deadly midrange very cleanly vs wemby.
I just don’t know how Wemby can help very much when bridges stands in the corner. Perhaps the spurs can send the closest guy to the mikal corner when Wemby goes into deep help?
Put Keldon Johnson on Bridges………
Wemby shouldn’t be guarding non centers
Bridges starts, Keldon comes off the bench
Yeah I know that you …..
Ever heard of making adjustments?
Well, saw the Knicks just get an escort to La Cantera in San Antonio – within a mile from me. Had to wait while the escort shut the exit on IH-10 down as well as the access road. Smart move by management to get them there as opposed to the Emma in downtown so they’re secluded and surrounded by a golf course and not the rabid fans. Even more interesting is the Knicks are also within a mile of the Spurs HQ and practice facility. Would love to see a street ball game go right now.
The way you get Wemby out the middle is thru motion offense. Towns has to put up threes. Show he is best shooting big man in game. And try and keep Wemby on perimeter with pick n rolls. With Brunson and Towns. Or whoever Wemby is guarding. Spurs team D is all off Wemby rim protection. So you have to keep Wemby moving. And take it to rim when you got it. You can’t let him get comfortable. Towns and Mitch are better bigs than IHart. So Wemby better be ready too.