New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby left Friday night’s matchup against the Miami Heat with a left hamstring strain and was ruled out for the rest of the game, the club said.
Anunoby, 28, appeared to suffer the injury in the first quarter while racing down the court on a fast break. After missing a layup, the 6-foot-7 wing grabbed at the back of his leg and immediately headed to the locker room.
Head coach Mike Brown turned to Jordan Clarkson to open the second half. Josh Hart and Landry Shamet are also expected to see additional minutes while Anunoby recovers.
Strong Start Interrupted
Through 11 starts this season, the 2022-23 All-Defensive Second Team selection was averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.1 steals in 33.5 minutes. He was shooting 48.3% from the floor, 39.7% from three-point range and 76.0% at the foul line. His best outing came on Oct. 31 in Chicago, where he scored 26 points.
Anunoby played 74 games last season, matching his career high, and set personal bests with 18.0 points and 36.6 minutes per contest.
Brunson Out With Grade 1 Ankle Sprain
Guard Jalen Brunson did not dress Friday after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 sprain of his right ankle, the same ankle that cost him 15 games last year. The injury occurred late in Wednesday’s 124-107 home loss to the Orlando Magic.
Brown defended his decision to keep Brunson on the floor while the Knicks trailed by 16 points with under two minutes remaining, saying, “I’ve been a part of some crazy, crazy comebacks… That’s all I was trying to do, is win the game.”
Miles McBride replaced Brunson in the starting lineup. Brunson, 29, is averaging 28.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists while shooting 46.7% overall, 36.9% from deep and a career-best 86.3% at the line over 11 games.
New York opens a five-game road swing Monday in Miami.
Source: Basketball Insiders
