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 celebrities, 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 extensively thought to be 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 among the most harmful offensive gamers within the league, and if he will get scorching, the Celtics may wrap up the collection rapidly. However Anunoby has constructed a fame as one of many NBA’s high wing defenders, and he’ll must be at his easiest to maintain the Knicks’ hopes alive.
New York’s possibilities could relaxation closely on how effectively Anunoby handles that matchup. If he can disrupt Tatum’s rhythm and restrict his influence, it’ll give the Knicks an actual probability to tug off an upset.
Past defence, Anunoby may even must contribute offensively. With Boston prone to goal Karl-Anthony Cities in pick-and-rolls, any further factors from Anunoby may make an enormous distinction.
Whereas the Celtics stay favourites, the presence of OG Anunoby provides the Knicks a combating probability in what guarantees to be one of the crucial thrilling collection of the playoffs.
