The New York Knicks faced an early test on the road against the mighty Denver Nuggets and passed with flying colors. The Knicks have been a top-five offense: currently fourth in points, second in three-point percentage, and second in field goal percentage. They looked like the Harlem Globetrotters as they destroyed the 2023 NBA champions 145-118. They tied their franchise record for assists, finishing with 60.9% shooting from the field and 52.8% from three. OG Anunoby dropped a career-high 40 points and was the best player on the court. In fact, he has been huge for the Knicks to start the season. Anunoby is off to a career-best start and emerging as one of the elite two-way players in the NBA. Unquestionably he’s living up to his $200+ million contract and then some.
OG’s Thriving Role
OG quickly supplanted Mikal Bridges as the team’s third option on offense whilw being the Knicks best (at times only) defender.
He is thriving in his role within the offense. Under head coach Tom Thibodeau, OG is focusing on his shot diet. He is attacking his hot zones in the painted area and the corners. Anunoby has attacked closeouts, therefore increasing his efficiency. OG’s armed with a terrific pump fake allowing him to beat his man and run at the basket freely. If a defender closes out too quickly, OG will have them in a blender. He’s an athletic specimen blessed with strength and speed, and he leads the Knicks in dunks because of that.
When cutting in from the wings, no one can handle him. His movement is also excellent, often hunting out mismatches while Jalen Brunson has done a great job finding him. Everything he has done, is in the flow of the offense. He’s the Knicks best cutter. It’s been an offensive masterclass from OG. Now there is a golden opportunity for OG to become an All-Star this season, as he is currently playing like the best two-way wing in the NBA.
Anunoby Off To A Career Start
OG put Denver to the sword dropping 40 points on a ridiculously efficient 16-23 from the field and 5-7 from behind the arc. These are numbers one would expect playing NBA 2K on rookie mode. That’s how impressive he was on this night.
Indeed, this performance tops off what we’ve seen from OG in most games this year. Anunoby is off to a career-best start offensively. His stats are a testament to this: Anunoby’s offensive rating of 127 is by far the best of his career. Also, his 52% field goal percentage is a career-high. His 42% from three, EFG% of 61.7, and points per game of 19.1 are all career highs. In terms of PER, his player efficiency of 17.8 is significantly higher than his career average of 13.4. His PPG is almost seven points higher than his career average.
So what has changed? Ex-NBA star Jamal Crawford asked in the post-game interview against Denver what OG worked on in the offseason. OG replied, “everything.” Clearly, his work-ethic this offseason has paid off.
Modern Day Scottie Pippen?
Kendrick Perkins went as far as to say OG is playing like the modern-day Scottie Pippen,
.@KendrickPerkins' word of the day: OG 😤
Perk says OG Anunoby has been the most consistent player on both ends for the Knicks this season 🗽 pic.twitter.com/BrPpQE23c7
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 26, 2024
it’s a gaudy comparison, one in which I’d hesitate to go as far as to say he’s the modern-day Pippen this early. Nevertheless, there are comparisons to be made in terms of his style. OG deserves all the praise he’s receiving for his impressive work on both ends of the court. He’s also criminally underrated in the league. He has a relentless work ethic, playing without any real weaknesses in his game. He’s one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and he’s particularly impressive at getting into the passing lanes forcing deflections and steals. He can defend all five positions on the floor.
Offensively, Anunoby is off to a career start in terms of efficiency and shooting. He’s excellently adept at slashing to the rim, and is an elite corner-three shooter.
Perkins also said,
“OG’s been the best and most consistent player on both ends of the floor for the Knicks.”
This is probably true. Josh Hart has been incredibly consistent on both ends of the court, continuing to be the quintessential glue guy, fifth in the league in true shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns is having an incredible season on the offensive end, experiencing career highs across the board offensively. However, his rim protection has largely been disappointing.
Jalen Brunson is transitioning his game from being the number one scoring option to being more of a playmaker. Mikal Bridges has been underwhelming, to say the least. I’d definitely agree with Perkins that OG has been the Knicks most consistent player. OG can no longer be looked upon in the prism of only a great defender. He’s now providing All-Star level offense. Considering his efficient role in the offense, it should continue.
