OG Anunoby’s Injury Casts Uncertainty Over Knicks’ Playoff Momentum

The New York Knicks entered Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 6 with a 2-0 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers after a 137-98 rout in Game 1. The second game ended 108-102, preserving the advantage but introducing a new variable: the loss of forward OG Anunoby.

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With 2:31 left, Anunoby cut toward the basket, grabbed his right leg near the hamstring, and attempted a dunk that Paul George blocked. He stayed on the floor, hobbled, signaled to the bench and left; Miles McBride entered for the final minutes.

USA Today

Anunoby posted 24 points on 9-for-17 shooting (64 % FG, ~60 % 3-pt), five rebounds, four steals and a block in 37 minutes. He is the Knicks’ second-leading scorer behind Jalen Brunson and posted a plus-105 net rating when on the floor. Defensively, he held Paul George scoreless (0-for-4) in the fourth quarter.

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Coach Mike Brown said, “It looked like he was hopping, but I don’t know anything,” and said he had not spoken to the medical staff. Brunson replied, “I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. I don’t know too much.” Towns added, “I really don’t know. We’ll regroup tomorrow and see what the whole situation is.” Bridges said the team would adopt a next-man-up approach, and McBride said everyone would have to step up.

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Analysts warned that any absence “would be a blow to a Knicks team that is playing at a high level at the most important time of the season.” Losing Anunoby’s two-way skill set could force New York to lean more on Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and bench depth, testing rotation flexibility if the injury extends beyond Game 2.

USA Today

Initial reports labeled the injury a “left hamstring strain,” while other accounts described a “right-leg issue near the hamstring.” The Knicks’ medical staff has not released an official diagnosis, and Brown confirmed he has not spoken to the doctors. Severity and recovery timeline remain unclear.

OG Anunoby Injury Update: What It Means for His Team and Season Outlook

• “It looked like he was hopping, but I don't know anything,” — Mike Brown, Knicks head coach

ESPN

• “I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I don't know too much.” — Jalen Brunson, Knicks point guard

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• “We’ll see what it is, but next man up,” — Mikal Bridges, Knicks forward

Newsday

• “He’s one of the best two-way players in the league, and it’s tough to replace that,” — Miles McBride, Knicks guard

Newsday

• “I really don't know. We'll regroup tomorrow and see what the whole situation is.” — Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks center

ESPN

The Knicks will assess Anunoby’s status in practice and issue an update before Game 3. If he remains sidelined, Miles McBride is slated to start, and the coaching staff may boost minutes for Josh Hart and other wing players to preserve defensive balance and floor spacing.

USA Today