SPANISH HALREM – Regardless of the feelings you had on the trade that sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks, there is no denying that they are playing excellent basketball of late. Since the trade was consummated, the Knicks have rolled to the tune of 5 straight wins and are playing terrifically on both ends of the court. Let’s look at what makes OG an absolute difference maker.
Defense
Yes, we start with defense. It’s the main reason the Knickerbockers made this trade. He is an elite perimeter defender that can guard all 5 positions. His body type and quickness allow him to stay with almost anyone on the court and this has been essential to the Knicks being among the top teams in the league in defensive ratings since the trade. From the moment he got here, he has been put on the opposing team’s best offensive player. The results speak for itself.
Offense
I won’t say that I knew much about OG on offense before THE TRADE, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that he is more than just a spot shooter. He is elite on corner 3s, shooting a robust 49.7% this season. He is also shooting 38.4% overall from deep, and teams cannot leave him alone. That affords Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle more room to operate in the paint. What has surprised me most is his feel for the game and knowing when and where to cut to the basket. He can attack the rim when teams close out on him from three and is explosive when he goes to rim, as he looks to dunk whenever possible.
Overall
Nothing is better than when you make a trade and the pieces fall together. He is not only what the Knicks need on defense but has become an asset on offense when open, and given the opportunities. It seems that team is jellying nicely on both sides of the ball and hopefully the best is yet to come. NEWSFLASH: They will eventually lose a game as a group… but we can all see the impact of OG on the Knicks.
Drop a comment below with your. thoughts during this 5-game win streak… or feel free to talk whatever sports-related thoughts you have.
That’s it for now, please come back tomorrow for Action Jackson Sternberg.
