The New York Knicks managed to sweep the Philadelphia 76ers even without their best two-way player, which clearly shows how great this team has been.
However, with the Eastern Conference Finals coming up, having OG Anunoby return to health is a totally different matter.
Reporter Steve Popper posted videos from the Knicks’ practice facility showing Anunoby doing shooting work after practice.
Per James L. Edwards on X, it was still unclear at the time of the post whether Anunoby had practiced with the full group, but the fact that he was on the court getting shots up is a positive sign.
Anunoby suffered a Grade 1 right hamstring strain late in Game 2 against the Sixers. He was held out for both Game 3 and Game 4 as a precaution.
New York won both without him, finishing off the sweep with a 144-114 blowout. That was the good news on the court. Off it, the injury picture was also looking better than expected.
The nature of the injury was always described as mild. SNY insider Ian Begley said Anunoby could play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Why OG Anunoby’s Return Matters for the Knicks
GettyOG Anunoby’s Post-Practice Shooting Session Sparks Major Knicks Optimism
Looking at what Anunoby has done in these playoffs and it is easy to understand why the Knicks want him back so badly. In eight games, he is averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game on 61.9% shooting from the field and 53.8% from three.
He’s been the type of player who makes those around him better, even when he doesn’t have the ball. Not only does he score, but he also defends, rebounds, and is the one guarding the opponent’s best wing every single game. The blend of those skills is rare, and it is even more crucial in a conference finals.
The Knicks will meet the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Detroit Pistons since that series is still ongoing. Both teams boast a star wing, and this will be exactly where Anunoby’s presence is important.
What Happened Last Time OG Anunoby Had a Hamstring Injury in the Playoffs
GettyKnicks Get Potential Game-Changing OG Anunoby Injury Update
This is not the first time the Knicks have faced this situation. Anunoby suffered a hamstring injury to his left leg in the second round of the 2024 playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, and as a consequence, he was out of the line-up for four games straight.
He made an attempt to come back for the Game 7 but after five minutes on the floor, he had to be taken out. The Knicks, unfortunately, lost that series.
Such a past is not something you can simply erase from your mind. Yet, the Knicks at the moment have the series already won and Anunoby will have a few days before Game 1 to get in a good shape again, which is the difference this time.
But reaching the NBA Finals is a totally different scenario, and for that, having Anunoby fully fit is a must. At present, everything suggests that he will be good to go for Game 1.
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