OG Anunoby will appear in the NBA Finals for the first time since missing Toronto’s 2019 title run, and the New York Knicks expect him to be pivotal when the series opens Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs.
New York acquired Anunoby in a 2023 trade that sent two homegrown favorites elsewhere. In this postseason, the 6-foot-7 forward is averaging 19.7 points, 6.9 assists and shooting 48.3% from three while anchoring the defense, despite a brief second-round hamstring setback. He was recently selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team for the second time.
Defensive assignment: Victor Wembanyama
Coaches around the league expect Anunoby to spend significant time guarding 7-foot-4 rookie Victor Wembanyama. One Western Conference coach told the New York Post that San Antonio will try to keep Wembanyama stationed as the weak-side low man to protect the rim. “The Knicks will try to fight that and counter that,” the coach said, noting New York’s multiple screening options for Jalen Brunson.
A second coach emphasized Brunson’s need to attack early in transition before Wembanyama sets up defensively. Guard Josh Hart echoed that focus on internal discipline: “If we focus on ourselves and the habits we’re building, we’ll put ourselves in good situations to be successful,” he said.
Homecoming for Clarkson
Reserve guard Jordan Clarkson, a San Antonio native, called the upcoming games in his hometown “kind of unreal.” Clarkson grew up watching Tim Duncan’s championship teams and now aims to deny Wembanyama a first title. He also noted that forward Kevin McCullar Jr., in his second year with New York, attended the same high school.
Robinson’s status for Game 1
Center Mitchell Robinson is officially listed as questionable for Wednesday’s opener after participating in Tuesday’s practice. His availability is expected to influence both the Knicks’ rim protection and offensive rebounding plans.
The Finals tip off Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
Source: Hoops Rumors
