In a disappointing turn of events for the New York Knicks, forward OG Anunoby recently underwent surgery to remove a loose bone fragment in his right elbow. Although the procedure is considered minor, it has forced Anunoby to miss several games and will keep him sidelined for a few more weeks. The Knicks, who have been performing exceptionally well with Anunoby on their roster, will now have to find a way to cope without him during their stretch run and playoffs.
The acquisition of Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors in December proved to be a game-changer for the Knicks. With him in the lineup, they won an impressive 12 out of their next 14 games. Anunoby’s versatile skills on both ends of the court have been instrumental in the Knicks’ success this season.
A reliable contributor
Anunoby’s statistics speak for themselves. He has been averaging 15.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game since joining the Knicks. Furthermore, his plus-minus rating, which measures the point differential when a player is on the court, has been outstanding. In fact, Anunoby’s plus-252 mark is one of the best in the NBA since January 1st, demonstrating his impact on the team’s performance.
A staunch defender
One of Anunoby’s most notable strengths is his defensive prowess. Since joining the Knicks, he has held opponents to just 36.7% shooting as the closest defender, making him one of the league’s best defenders in that category. His ability to shut down opposing players has been crucial for the Knicks’ overall defensive strategy.
Apart from his defensive skills, Anunoby has also been impressive on the offensive end. He has made 39% of his 3-point shots, including 19 successful corner 3-pointers, adding another dimension to the Knicks’ scoring options. His shooting accuracy from beyond the arc has been essential in stretching the opposing defenses and creating openings for his teammates.
Anunoby’s injury, along with Julius Randle’s ongoing absence due to a shoulder injury, played a significant role in the Knicks’ decision to make some moves before the trade deadline. The team acquired Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks from the Detroit Pistons to provide additional scoring and depth during this challenging period. The absence of both Anunoby and Randle puts the Knicks in a difficult position, as they will have to rely on their newly acquired players to step up and fill the void.
The Knicks’ recent game against the Dallas Mavericks highlighted their roster’s vulnerability. Not only were Anunoby and Randle unavailable, but they were also missing other key players such as Mitchell Robinson and Jalen Brunson. The team’s depth was further tested during the game when center Isaiah Hartenstein was ruled out for the second half due to a sore left Achilles. The multitude of injuries has undoubtedly had a detrimental effect on the team’s performance and overall morale.
With multiple key players sidelined, the Knicks face an uphill battle. However, they hope to have Bogdanovic and Burks ready to play in their upcoming game against the Indiana Pacers. Their availability will be contingent on passing their physicals. Additionally, the status of Taj Gibson, who is on the final day of his current 10-day contract, remains uncertain. The Knicks will have to make the most of their resources and find a way to adapt to the challenging circumstances.
OG Anunoby’s surgery to remove a loose bone fragment in his right elbow has undoubtedly dealt a blow to the New York Knicks. His absence will be sorely felt, as he has been a reliable and impactful player on both ends of the court. The team will have to come together and find a way to compensate for his absence during the crucial stretch run and playoffs. With the right mindset and adaptation, the Knicks can still strive for success despite this setback.
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