Knicks’ Anunoby overcomes injury to help secure playoff victory

NEW YORK, N.Y. — OG Anunoby clutched his left hamstring as he exited the court at the end of the first quarter, a concerning sight reminiscent of an injury that hindered him during last year’s playoff run. However, after a brief stint in the locker room, Anunoby returned and played a pivotal role in the second half of the game against the Boston Celtics.

With the pressure on and the game at stake, Anunoby hit crucial shots, including a right-wing 3-pointer that helped the Knicks secure a 37-23 quarter at Madison Square Garden. This win allowed the Knicks to take a 3-1 series lead, putting them on the brink of closing out the defending NBA champions in Game 5 in Boston.

“I thought OG gave us a huge game,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “Just the toughness, the timely plays, flying all over the place. He’s so disruptive.” Anunoby’s ability to guard players like Jayson Tatum adds a layer of complexity for the opposition.

Tatum stepped up with 42 points before sustaining an injury in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Anunoby bounced back from a lackluster scoring performance in the previous games, finishing the night with 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting, including four 3-pointers in 39 minutes.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla remarked on Anunoby’s offensive skill, stating, “If you do a breakdown of his points, you try to take away the ones you can control the most.” Anunoby had previously struggled, scoring just seven points in the prior two games, after having 29 in the postseason opener.

Anunoby faced injury challenges last year’s playoffs, suffering a left hamstring strain against the Pacers that sidelined him for crucial matches. He attempted to play in Game 7 but exited early, unable to contribute to the team’s postseason efforts.

Despite concerns about his hamstring during the game, Anunoby made critical plays down the stretch, including a drive to the basket that extended a one-point lead and a fourth 3-pointer to snap a tie with under six minutes left. His electrifying dunk off a Mikal Bridges steal secured a nine-point lead for the Knicks late in the game.

“It felt good,” said Anunoby, reflecting on the electric atmosphere in the arena. “We didn’t lay down. It was tough, they were up a little bit, but we just kept fighting.”