OG Anunoby did not play in the New York Knicks’ Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. Despite his absence, New York cruised to a 108-94 win behind Jalen Brunson’s 33 points, nine assists and five rebounds.
Anunoby is dealing with a hamstring injury that he suffered in Game 2 when he was seen limping after driving to the basket in the fourth quarter. While the concern was immediate, early reports suggest the injury is not believed to be serious.
He was listed as questionable in Game 3 before being ruled out. Knicks head coach Mike Brown said Anunoby still remains day-to-day and is considered questionable. Brown added that they will know more based on how he feels.
“It’s all medical related and it starts with [the training staff], the doctors and OG. All I want them to do is tell me when he can play,” he said.
The questionable status means Anunoby is expected to undergo further medical evaluation to determine his availability. With the Knicks leading 3-0, there is no need to rush Anunoby back from injury, as it’s better to stay on the safer side and give him the necessary time he needs to recuperate. The team hopes backup Miles McBride or Landry Shamet can handle any increased workload.
Never has this core been in a position to close out a series with a sweep, something they are aiming to achieve tonight at Madison Square Garden. With other second-round matchups still ongoing and Game 5 not scheduled until Tuesday in Philadelphia, finishing the series early could give the Knicks some valuable rest heading into the conference finals.
The last time the Knicks went 4-0 was when they defeated the Atlanta Hawks in four games in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 1999, en route to their last-ever NBA Finals appearance, where they eventually lost to the San Antonio Spurs.
How did OG Anunoby fare in this series against the 76ers?
OG Anunoby has been outstanding for the Knicks this postseason, averaging a career-high 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from three.
In Game 1 against the 76ers, he scored 18 points, followed by 24 in Game 2 before getting injured.
Managing the workload of their two-way star will be key as the Knicks look to maintain their push for the NBA Finals. He will enter the final year of his contract next season, but hopes to remain with the Knicks well beyond that.
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