Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Anunoby’s Dominant Performance Propels Knicks Past Suns
The New York Knicks did not need to heavily rely on Jalen Brunson as OG Anunoby delivered a stellar performance on Sunday, showcasing his elite form. The Knicks defeated the Phoenix Suns 112-98 at Madison Square Garden.
Anunoby Leads Knicks’ Offense with Career-Best Scoring Streak
Anunoby amassed 32 points with remarkable efficiency, hitting 13 of 17 shots from the field. This dominant display extended his career-best stretch of scoring at least 20 points to 10 consecutive games.
“I don’t believe I’m in a zone,” Anunoby stated. “I think this is my consistent capability.”
Pre-Game Concerns Regarding Brunson’s Return
Questions arose before the game about how Anunoby’s role would evolve with Brunson’s return after a month-long absence due to injury.
A natural concern existed that Anunoby’s offensive involvement might diminish with Brunson, a point guard known for controlling the ball, back in the lineup. Historically, Anunoby’s usage rate has decreased when sharing the court with Brunson.
Coach Thibodeau Dismisses Usage Rate Concerns
Knicks Head Coach Tom Thibodeau firmly rejected this line of thinking.
“That idea is nonsense… He impacts the game all over the court. That’s how he achieves his scoring,” Thibodeau asserted following Saturday’s victory in Atlanta. “That’s how everyone is scoring effectively. … That’s simply making excuses, in my view.”
Anunoby’s Versatile Offensive Game
Anunoby validated his coach’s confidence with a diverse offensive showcase against the Suns, punctuated by an emphatic 360-degree dunk in the game’s final moments. He has arguably been the Knicks’ most impactful player over the past month.
Anunoby’s Two-Way Impact: Offense and Defense
On Sunday, Anunoby not only led the Knicks’ offense but also undertook the challenging defensive assignment of guarding Phoenix’s leading scorer, Devin Booker, who tallied an impressive 40 points.
“He’s been playing incredibly well for the last several weeks. Throughout the entire season, but he’s elevated his play recently, consistently performing at a high level. This is what we anticipate from him,” Brunson commented. “Everyone recognizes his defensive prowess. Offensively, I believe he’s taken a significant leap forward in his approach. He’s always possessed this offensive capacity, and now he’s demonstrating it consistently.”
McBride Returns from Injury, Knicks Approach Full Strength
Brunson wasn’t the only Knickerbocker making a return from an extended absence on Sunday.
Guard Miles McBride also played against the Suns, returning after an eight-game absence due to a groin injury. This marked McBride’s first appearance in over two weeks.
McBride contributed eight points in 16 minutes off the bench and clarified the reasons behind his cautious return.
“If you observe my game, I rely on explosiveness on both ends of the court. I wanted to ensure I felt completely comfortable with cutting and exerting explosive movements,” McBride explained.
Knicks Roster Nears Full Availability
McBride resumed his usual role as the primary guard off the bench, contributing to a Knicks team that is nearing full strength for the first time in over a month.
Mitchell Robinson, who rested during Saturday’s win against the Hawks, Cam Payne, who was listed as probable before Sunday’s game due to an ankle sprain, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been managing finger and knee issues, were also active participants.
Hukporti Remains Only Inactive Knick
Rookie Ariel Hukporti remains the sole injured and inactive Knicks player, sidelined for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
“It was beneficial to have everyone available again,” Thibodeau noted.
Thibodeau Committed to Consistent Approach as Playoffs Near
With the Knicks approaching securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference (requiring either a Knicks victory or an Indiana Pacers loss), Coach Thibodeau indicated no change in strategy—specifically, he will not begin resting players—once the playoff seeding is guaranteed.
“We aren’t overlooking any steps. This has been our consistent approach throughout the entire season,” Thibodeau emphasized. “We will maintain this course, believing it will best prepare us for the challenges ahead.”