Knicks’ playoff joyride is suddenly on hold with OG Anunoby injury scare – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
New York – The Knicks clinched a crucial 108-102 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, pushing their series lead to 2-0. Forward OG Anunoby starred once again, pouring in 24 points on efficient shooting while adding five rebounds, four steals, two assists and a block in 37 minutes.[1][2] Yet the triumph carried a bitter edge. With just over two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Anunoby grabbed at the back of his right leg after a cut to the basket, hobbled through a defensive possession and did not return after being replaced by Miles McBride.[3]
The Moment the Crowd Held Its Breath
Anunoby drove toward the rim late in the game, attempting a dunk that Paul George blocked. He immediately clutched his right hamstring area and limped noticeably on the ensuing defensive end. After a Knicks timeout, he signaled to the bench and exited for good with 2:31 remaining, as New York clung to a slim lead.[1] The Madison Square Garden faithful, riding high on the team’s dominant play, fell silent as their key wing gingerly walked off.
Knicks coach Mike Brown offered no immediate clarity postgame. “He looked like he was hopping,” Brown said. “I have not talked to medical yet.”[2] Teammates echoed the uncertainty. Jalen Brunson deferred, stating, “I’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. I don’t know too much.”[1] The lack of details left the team and fans bracing for potential bad news ahead of Game 3 in Philadelphia on Friday.
Anunoby’s Postseason Dominance on Display
Before the injury, Anunoby anchored both ends of the floor. He shot 9-of-17 from the field, including sharp 3-point work, and disrupted Philadelphia’s offense with his length and instincts. Entering the game, he ranked as New York’s second-leading playoff scorer behind Brunson, boasting elite efficiency at 64% from the field and nearly 60% from deep.[1]
Across the postseason, Anunoby averaged 21 points, nearly eight rebounds, 1.6 steals and over a block per game in under 35 minutes. The Knicks outscored opponents by 118 points during his time on the court, underscoring his net impact.[3] Brown had lauded him pregame as the “ultimate definition of sacrifice,” highlighting his two-way prowess at 6-foot-8 with high basketball IQ.[2] McBride captured the void left behind: “He’s one of the best two-way players in the league, so it’s tough to replace that, but you don’t replace him with one guy. Everyone is going to have to step up.”[2]
Flashbacks to a Costly 2024 Setback
This scare evoked painful memories from two years prior. In the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, Anunoby strained his left hamstring in Game 2, sat out Games 3 through 6 and played just five minutes in Game 7 before exiting again. New York dropped that series after leading 2-0, a collapse tied directly to his absence.[1] The Knicks entered these playoffs healthier but have navigated bumps, including Mitchell Robinson’s illness absence in Game 2 and Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid sidelined by ankle and hip issues.[2]
Anunoby finished 10th in NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting during the regular season, a nod to his perimeter versatility. His current form suggested no lingering effects from earlier ankle tweaks, making Tuesday’s episode all the more jarring.[2]
Regrouping for a Critical Road Test
With the series shifting to Philadelphia, the Knicks emphasized resilience. Karl-Anthony Towns said, “We’ll regroup tomorrow and see what the whole situation is.”[1] Mikal Bridges added a pragmatic note: “We’ll see what it is, but it’s next man up.”[1] New York protected home court effectively, but sustaining momentum without one of its top performers will test the roster’s depth.
Updates on Anunoby’s condition could arrive Thursday, determining whether the Knicks maintain their stride or face a familiar fragility in the playoffs.
