OG Anunoby’s Return, Defensive Honor and Impact on the Knicks’ Eastern Conference Finals Run

In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 23, 2026, New York forward OG Anunoby posted 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists while shooting 3-of-4 from three-point range. His performance helped the Knicks defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108, extending the series lead to 3-0.

New York Post

Anunoby missed the final two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals after a mild right hamstring strain. Prior to the injury, he averaged 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks in the playoffs, shooting 53 % from the field. He returned after a 12-day recovery, gradually regaining strength as he noted.

New York Post

On May 22, the NBA announced its 2025-26 All-Defensive Teams, placing Anunoby on the second team alongside Bam Adebayo, Scottie Barnes, Cason Wallace and Dyson Daniels. The first team featured Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert, Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson and Derrick White. Anunoby’s regular-season averages of 1.6 steals and 0.7 blocks per game contributed to his selection.

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With Anunoby on the floor, New York outscored opponents by 20 points per 100 possessions in the regular season and limited foes to 102.1 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs. His defensive rating was the best among all starters, and his on-court plus-minus during a nine-game stretch was +20.7, the highest on the team.

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The victory in Game 3 moved the Knicks within one win of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. The team’s defensive dominance, anchored by Anunoby, has been a key factor in a nine-game winning streak and a league-best +212 point differential over that span.

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Coach Mike Brown highlighted Anunoby’s “off-the-charts” versatility and argued he merited first-team recognition. Guard Jalen Brunson praised Anunoby as “locked in” and performing the tasks expected of him. Anunoby credited the Knicks’ medical staff for his rapid recovery.

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Several observers, including teammate Karl-Anthony Towns, contended that Anunoby deserved first-team honors, describing the second-team placement as a “robbery.” Fans and analysts echoed this sentiment, noting his defensive statistics and impact on the court.

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Source 3 reports that this is Anunoby’s third All-Defensive selection, while Source 5 states it is his second. The discrepancy reflects differing counts of his prior honors (including a 2022-23 second-team nod with Toronto).

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• “Getting stronger each day. Great team, great coaches. It’s been very collaborative.” — OG Anunoby, Knicks forward

New York Post

• “OG was fantastic,” — Mike Brown, Knicks head coach

New York Post

• “OG is playing great. Most importantly, he’s locked in, and he’s doing the things that we know that he’s capable of,” — Jalen Brunson, Knicks guard

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• “No one wants to ask OG about the All-Defensive second team?” — Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves center

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• “Well-deserved,” — Official Knicks X account

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The Knicks head to Cleveland for Game 4, aiming to close the series 4-0 and secure a berth in the NBA Finals. Their defensive identity, anchored by Anunoby, will be a focal point as they seek to end a 26-year championship drought.

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