The New York Knicks got to see their latest acquisition in action during the Knicks vs. Timberwolves matchup tonight. OG Anunoby was traded to New York two days ago and suited up for this contest against the No. 1 seed in the West, walking away with a 112-106 win. Anunoby got real on Knicks fans after the game.
“I appreciate all the fan love. Great fans. I definitely feel it.”
OG Anunoby shares his appreciation for the fans cheering him during pregame introductions:
"I definitely feel it." pic.twitter.com/HFXtQQe4m8
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) January 2, 2024
Anunoby also spoke about his new teammates and how they’ve made the game easier for him.
“Even during the game, they were telling me where to go. They were helping me out for sure, a lot of them.”
"They were helping me out for sure, a lot of them."
OG Anunoby credits some of his Knicks teammates for helping him out in his first game with the team: pic.twitter.com/y2qJfvrA7I
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) January 2, 2024
All the help Anunoby received ended up being worth it, as the Knicks won by six points. Anunoby was the clear second-best player for New York, showing his tremendous defensive impact while scoring 17 points and six rebounds on a night Jalen Brunson struggled. Ultimately, it was Julius Randle exploding for 39 points that sealed the deal for New York.
The Timberwolves fought hard, especially with Anthony Edwards scoring 35 points and Karl-Anthony Towns dropping 29 points. Overall, both teams defended really well but it’s clear the Knicks managed to do a slightly better job to walk out with this win.
Anunoby had expressed how excited he was to join the Knicks before the game.
“When I found out it was the Knicks, I was definitely excited. I’ve always liked the team. I grew up a fan of basketball, so I always watched the Knicks.”
OG Anunoby: “When I found out it was the Knicks, I was definitely excited. I’ve always liked the team. I grew up a fan of basketball, so I always watched the Knicks.”
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) January 1, 2024
The Knicks are 18-15 this season, hoping that the Anunoby trade leads to great things in the future for the franchise.
Julius Randle Hails OG Anunoby After His Debut
Julius Randle was the star man on the night for the Knicks with a sensational 39-point performance, but even Randle gave a lot of props to Anunoby for leading them to this win.
“He’s a competitor. He makes timely shots and timely plays on the defensive end. He has to guard the best player. It’s not an easy job, what he did coming from a trade a day or two ago, to come and step up as big as he did and help us get a win, it’s amazing.”
“He’s a competitor. He makes timely shots… He has to guard the best player. It’s not an easy job, what he did… To come and step up as big as he did and help us get a win, it’s amazing.”
Julius Randle on OG Anunoby’s Knicks debut 💯pic.twitter.com/h09vDFTc7D
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 1, 2024
The chemistry is looking strong in New York already, as even Anunoby used his post-game comments to praise Randle, calling an and-one by Randle towards the end of the game the best highlight from the night of his debut.
“Julius (Randle) had an and-1 at the end. Great play. Sealed the win.”
When asked if there was a play he’d most remember from his Knick debut, OG Anunoby said, “Julius (Randle) had an and-1 at the end. Great play. Sealed the win.”
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 2, 2024
Randle is averaging 24.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this season. While he doesn’t look to be on the All-NBA pace he had in recent seasons, performances like the one tonight bolster his case as an All-Star. Jalen Brunson had a tough night against the Wolves but has been the Knicks’ best player this season, averaging 25.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.
Anunoby is coming from Toronto, so the Knicks roster and coaching will continue to feel OG out before fully integrating him into their system. OG averaged 15.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in Toronto this season. He is off to a good start in New York. This could legitimately be a top-four team in the East this season with a lot of room to grow.
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