The New York Knicks are heading into the second spherical of the 2025 NBA Playoffs as underdogs, set to face the top-seeded Boston Celtics. Whereas a lot of the eye is on the celebs, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Cities, it’s OG Anunoby who could show the distinction for New York.
The Celtics dominated the Knicks throughout the common season, with Jayson Tatum averaging 33.5 factors on 53.5% taking pictures of their 4 conferences. That’s the place Anunoby steps in. The previous Toronto Raptors ahead is broadly considered New York’s finest perimeter defender and can be tasked with slowing down Tatum’s scoring.
Anunoby’s defensive task isn’t any simple one. Tatum is without doubt one of the most harmful offensive gamers within the league, and if he will get scorching, the Celtics may wrap up the collection shortly. However Anunoby has constructed a status as one of many NBA’s high wing defenders, and he’ll should be at his perfect to maintain the Knicks’ hopes alive.
New York’s probabilities could relaxation closely on how nicely Anunoby handles that matchup. If he can disrupt Tatum’s rhythm and restrict his impression, it should give the Knicks an actual likelihood to drag off an upset.
Past defence, Anunoby may also have to contribute offensively. With Boston more likely to goal Karl-Anthony Cities in pick-and-rolls, any additional factors from Anunoby may make an enormous distinction.
Whereas the Celtics stay favourites, the presence of OG Anunoby offers the Knicks a combating likelihood in what guarantees to be one of the vital thrilling collection of the playoffs.
