Anunoby sparks Knicks past Hawks; Robinson, Bridges and Alvarado bolster series win
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New York’s first-round victory over Atlanta hinged on an unexpected scoring surge from the club’s top defender. Forward OG Anunoby delivered 29 points and seven rebounds in Game 6, sealing the record-setting win that sent the Knicks to the next round.
Across the six-game series, the 6-8 wing averaged 21.5 points and 8.7 rebounds, knocked down 56.7 percent of his three-point attempts and guarded the Hawks’ primary scorers. “He’s doing everything out there and that’s what we need,” teammate Mikal Bridges said. “I think he’s gonna continue to do that for us.” The performance has prompted questions about whether Anunoby should be viewed as New York’s third star rather than an elite role player.
Robinson brings muscle
Center Mitchell Robinson set a physical tone, something the Knicks have occasionally lacked. Since Game 1 he has taped the phrase “Standing on business” around his ankles, and an on-court dust-up with Atlanta’s Dyson Daniels in Game 6 underscored his enforcer role. “Mitch is very vital for our locker room,” Karl-Anthony Towns said. “We’re always gonna stand behind him when he wants to, quote-unquote, stand on business.”
Bridges rediscovers shot
After struggling early in the series, Bridges caught fire in Game 6 with 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting. “Now, is he going to go 10-for-12 every night? No,” coach Mike Brown said, “but he was aggressive and took great shots. And it shouldn’t go unnoticed that his defense was phenomenal.”
Alvarado’s hometown moment
Guard Jose Alvarado enjoyed a memorable scene in Game 5 at Madison Square Garden when fans serenaded him with “Jose, Jose, Jose” as he exited in the third quarter. The Brooklyn native logged 12 points in 11 minutes that night. “I always had a Knicks jersey on. I always think, ‘This is crazy,’” Alvarado said. “I’m excited to be in the city I’m from and compete for a championship.”
Source: HoopsRumors
