New York Knicks superfan Ben Stiller vividly remembers OG Anunoby’s hamstring injury in the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals—a moment that flipped the series on its head.
The Knicks were up 2-0 when Anunoby sustained a hamstring strain, causing him to miss Games 3-6. When the 3-and-D star tried to return in the do-or-die Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, he lasted all of five minutes before being pulled. The Knicks would suffer a blowout loss at home in large part due to injuries.
Stiller is afraid that history may be repeating itself, after Anunoby sustained a right hamstring strain in Wednesday’s Game 2 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
“Everybody is stepping up — there’s a really good vibe right now,” Stiller told “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday after the Knicks took a 2-0 lead vs. the Sixers.
“Knock on wood that OG [is fine],” he continued. “He’s a huge part of our success.”
OG Anunoby Injury Update
When reminded by McAfee that Anunoby was day-to-day with the injury — having survived a serious hamstring strain — Stilller cast his mind back to the 2024 playoffs.
“Yes, I know, but here’s the thing — a couple of years ago, I remember we were on an incredible run and OG went out and it changed everything,” Stiller recalled.
“So, we really need him,” added the Hollywood legend.
Stiller implored the likes of Miles McBride, Landry Shamet and others to step up to ensure the Knicks can survive the OG Anunoby injury.
“I feel like the role players have had more time to play than in the last few years [under former head coach Tom Thibodeau]. If Deuce, Landry and Mo D Diwara can step up, we will be fine. We have good pieces this year.”
OG Anunoby Unlikely to Play Game 3
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, several Knicks expect Anunoby to play in either Game 3 or Game 4 in Philadelphia, which signals that his injury isn’t that serious.
“The Knicks are seemingly getting good news on OG Anunoby on Thursday,” Begley reported on Thursday, while adding that Anunoby will be questionable for Game 3.
“People feared the worst when he left Game 2 hobbling. The day after, it was determined that the Knicks had dodged a significant injury with Anunoby.
“I’m told there’s optimism in the locker room that Anunoby will be playing in Philadelphia in Game 3 on Friday or Game 4 on Sunday,” he added.
However, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon does not foresee the Knicks risking Anunoby.
“I mean, the guy strained his hamstring a couple nights ago and he’s questionable,” MacMahon said Thursday on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “I don’t know who they’re trying to fool. There’s no way OG Anunoby can play tonight. I mean, it’s ludicrous.”
“They need OG Anunoby, and they need him at his best to get to the Finals,” said MacMahon while highlighting Anunoby’s importance to the Knicks.
“If you play him tonight, you’re risking losing him for the rest of the postseason.”
Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks on shooting splits of 62/54/81 in these playoffs. He’s been New York’s most consistent three-point shooter and best perimeter defender.
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