OG Anunoby Impresses NBA Fans vs. Former Team as KAT, Knicks Beat Barrett, Raptors
Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJanuary 9, 2025
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby each scored 27 points to lead the New York Knicks to a 112-98 home win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
Towns returned from a one-game absence (right knee injury) to co-lead the team in scoring while adding 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
Meanwhile, this was a huge game for Anunoby, who played in Toronto for six-plus seasons before being traded to New York on Dec. 30, 2023 along with Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn for R.J. Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round draft pick.
Anunoby had struggled over the Knicks’ last two games, scoring just 21 total points on 9-of-23 shooting (2-of-9 from three).
He was sensational Wednesday, though, hitting 8-of-13 shots (4-of-6 from three) while making 7-of-8 free throws.
Anunoby authored one of the game’s top plays, stealing the ball from Barrett and hitting a three on the other end to give New York a 66-58 third-quarter lead.
He also helped turned this game into a rout into the fourth quarter, which began with New York leading 86-76. The Knicks eventually took a 112-86 advantage, with Anunoby adding four points, including this dunk:
NEW YORK KNICKS @nyknicksOG Anunoby now has 23 PTS 😤
Vote Knicks #NBAAllStar ⭐️ https://t.co/ZaYEPRZwLl pic.twitter.com/ci64CZkztj
The final score was a bit misleading, as Toronto went on a 12-0 run in the final two minutes after both teams subbed out their starters.
But this was a big win for the Knicks, who recently hit a rough patch after losing three straight. This was a great get-right victory, though, to move the team to 25-13. The Knicks are also now 8-2 when Anunoby scores 22 or more points.
Fans noted Anunoby’s great outing against his ex-team.
joshhartfan @JMcCulloch13Play of the game was OG stripping RJ on the drive midway through the 3rd and then sinking a 3 on the other end as RJ trudged back. Turned the game mentally. OG Anunoby all star performance. @JCMacriNBA @KnickFilmSkool
maryka @marykavw1og anunoby the star that you are
The Sport Pigeon™️🦅 @RPM699479833836Anunoby is a stud
KnicksNation @KnicksNationOG Anunoby loves playing his former team. He’s up to 27 PTS on a cool 8-11 shooting.
He needed this.
Isaiah Ramos @ZekeNYKnicksOG Anunoby just needed a game against his old team in order to get going again 👏
NYKMentality1985. @NYKmentality85OG Anunoby is absolutely feasting tonight and single handedly proving how and why the #Knicks fleeced Toronto during the trade. pic.twitter.com/CkLGye1Apy
0akster💬 @The0aksterGreat bounce back win by the Knicks. Very efficient games by OG and KAT. Let’s keep it going against OKC on Friday. We can win that one esp if Deuce is available.
DangerousDblo¢ @MistaWelcomeI ain’t gonna front, in the beginning I thought KAT should of jus sat this one out, wasn’t looking right..but he gave it a go and then some. OG again goes in on his former squad. Good seeing IQ back on the court 🫡, but we back in the W column. #Knicks @nyknicks 🫡🧡💙
Mat Kaplan @KaplanMatanelNeeded him back bad. When Og plays well we rarely lose. Just needs to find some level of consistency where he’s not scoring 5 points some games. #knicks https://t.co/hWt0CCu0tW
KnicksWrld @KnicksWrld11Was nice to see OG get going and have Kat back. Let’s see what happens Friday.
Austin @Amrmets15Very strong end of third quarter into the fourth win this for the Knicks. A win they needed to stop the minor skid. Karl, Josh and OG especially were strong. Good contributions from Precious and Shamet. Takes the whole group
Jim @NYGreenMachineOG easily the player of the game!! 🔥👊 #Knicks
Anthony @maluckyday99OG with another DPOY-level performance #Knicks
Ismael AbduSalaam @Ismael_BBM_NYKOG’s showing RJ no mercy.#knicks #newyorkforever
CP’s True Mets Talk @CPNYSportsOG FEASTING on his former team. Love it. #Knicks
Anthony @maluckyday99OG having himself a game – been great on both ends of the floor #Knicks
The Knicks will now host the 30-6 Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. OKC had won 15 straight before losing to the 32-4 Cleveland Cavaliers by a 129-122 score on Wednesday.
