Anunoby Takes Part in Full Practice, Calls Current Hamstring Issue Milder Than 2024 Injury
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GREENBURGH, N.Y., May 16, 2026 — New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby completed a second consecutive full practice on Saturday and said the right-hamstring strain sustained earlier in the playoffs is less severe than the injury he suffered two years ago.
Anunoby was hurt late in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers on May 6. He missed Games 3 and 4 but returned to team workouts this week. “It didn’t feel as bad as the past when it happened,” he said. “Just trying to improve it day by day.”
The Knicks swept Philadelphia and will not open the conference finals until Tuesday, giving the starter additional recovery time while Cleveland and Detroit play a decisive Game 7 on Sunday.
Through six postseason games, Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points while shooting 61.9 percent from the field and 53.8 percent from beyond the arc. He said the latest injury produced a quick, “weird” sensation that he initially attempted to play through, even trying to finish a dunk before leaving the floor.
In 2024, Anunoby strained his left hamstring during Game 2 of the East semifinals against Indiana, missed four games and lasted only five minutes in a Game 7 return. This time, the Knicks listed him as questionable for two contests before ruling him out, and head coach Mike Brown said Saturday he is encouraged by the forward’s progress.
“He’s been back, and he looks good to me,” guard Mikal Bridges said. “Maybe the fans and media were a little more worried, but I know how OG works and how his body is.”
Anunoby began rehab in the pool and weight room before advancing to on-court sprinting. Brown did not commit to the 28-year-old’s availability for Game 1 but acknowledged the importance of health at this stage. “We’re trying to get to the top of the mountain,” the coach said. “You need luck, skill and everybody as healthy as possible when game time comes.”
Source: ESPN.com
