Knicks head coach Mike Brown passionately defended OG Anunoby's All-Defensive selection, arguing he was unfairly relegated to the Second Team after not receiving enough votes. Anunoby earned 67 total points—11 for the First Team and 45 for the Second Team—but fell short compared to other top defenders, despite ranking high in steals and having a strong defensive impact on the Knicks’ performance. While Anunoby expressed pride in being recognized, he felt he deserved First Team honors, aligning with Brown's sentiments about his versatility and contributions in crucial defensive situations.

By the Numbers
  • OG Anunoby tied for 6th in the NBA in steals per game.
  • He recorded 48 blocked shots over 67 games played.
State of Play
  • New York ranks first in points allowed per possession since January.
  • Brown emphasizes the critical role Anunoby plays in their defensive strategy.
What's Next

Anunoby and the Knicks will focus on their upcoming Game 4, hoping to leverage their strong defensive play further. Future accolades might depend on the team's continued success in the playoffs and Anunoby's statistical contributions.

Bottom Line

The recognition for Anunoby is significant, but his exclusion from the First Team highlights a gap in understanding his value; continued visibility in the playoffs could enhance his reputation among voters for future selections.