OG Anunoby made his highly-anticipated New York Knicks debut in a 112-106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on New Year’s Day. Anunoby just joined the Knicks after New York acquired him in a Dec. 30 trade for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
In his first game at Madison Square Garden, Anunoby poured in 17 points on an efficient 7-12 shooting clip. The two-way specialist played 35 minutes in his debut and led both teams with an impressive +19 plus-minus.
After the win, Anunoby spoke to Wally Szczerbiak of MSG Network about his first taste of life in a Knicks uniform.
“I’m very excited,” Anunoby said. “It’s a great team, so I just want to come here and do what you said – just help win and keep elevating and growing every day.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, New York Knicks Updates
In New York’s trademark win over Minnesota, who currently holds the No. 1 seed out west, All-NBA forward Julius Randle detonated for 39 points and nine rebounds while shooting 14-24 from the field.
The Madison Square Garden crowd delivered as always. Anunoby enjoyed playing under the bright lights with one of the best fanbases in all of sports cheering him on.
“That was just super cool [playing at Madison Square Garden],” Anunoby said. “It was just an amazing feeling.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, New York Knicks Updates
The 2019 NBA champion spent more than six seasons with the Toronto Raptors before coming to The Big Apple. Over time, Anunoby has developed a strong reputation as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders. He even led the league in steals per game last season with 1.9 pick-pockets a night.
Anunoby boasts career shooting splits of 47.3% from the field and 37.6% from three. In 27 career playoff games, Anunoby has raised his efficiency with a 39.6% clip from beyond the arc. He also shoots a cool 48.6% from the field in the postseason.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: OG Anunoby, New York Knicks Updates
In his next NBA chapter, Anunoby will look to assert himself as one of the most valuable 3-and-D wings the league has to offer. Only time will tell if he can eventually help the Knicks become a true title contender.
