After being considered game-time decisions leading up to tip-off on Sunday, Knicks wings OG Anunoby and Josh Hart have officially been given the green light to play in today’s must-win Game 7 against the Pacers, sources inform Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN (Twitter link).
Steve Popper of Newsday tweets that both players will start. The matchup tips off in a half-hour.
Anunoby has been dealing with a strained hamstring since Game 2 of the club’s now-knotted series against Indiana. When healthy, however, the 6’7″ forward has proven himself to be an essential component to New York’s attack.
The team has gone 26-5 in the regular season and the playoffs this year when Anunoby – a midseason arrival from Toronto – has played. Across his eight available postseason contests, Anunoby has averaged 16.4 points (on .495/.395/.615 shooting), 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steal in 40.0 minutes per game.
Hart incurred an abdominal strain in Game 6, and though he valiantly attempted to play through it, he proved relatively ineffective offensively. Prior to his injury, the Villanova alum had been New York’s immovable object on the hardwood, averaging 42.6 MPG in the postseason. He has averaged 14.9 PPG on .447/.400/.705 shooting, plus 11.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 0.9 SPG and 0.8 BPG.
Anunoby’s injury history has cost him major playoff moments before, as when an appendectomy sidelined him during the Raptors’ run to the title in 2019.
Good
… night.
Oh dear, something needs to change here for the knicks. Maybe Brunson should create separation by seeking contact. Perhaps jump into people and fall over more.
Very good player but if he’s your number one option your ceiling is limited.
“Brunson’s performance Tuesday made him the first player with five 40-point games in a playoff run since LeBron James in 2018 and marks the second most 40-plus point games in a single postseason in Knicks playoff history.”
And he’s banged up ….. History disagrees with you…!!!!!!!!
I’m talking wins, not points, and it wasn’t an insult.
He needs help. He shouldn’t be chucking up 27 shots a game.
I guess you just don’t understand missing three starters ….,,
He was scoring 40 points a game because he’s shooting 27 shots a game, and yes, he’s shooting all of those shots because of all the injuries.
Not sure what you think we are arguing about. No one would attempt to build a championship team with Brunson as the centerpiece. Including you. He’s a great number 2 or number 3. Knicks had a great year but Brunson needs a lot more help.
“No one would attempt to build a championship team with Brunson as the centerpiece.”
He dragged this injured team to within one game of the ECF. He will be the #1 option on the team next year and they’ll be fine. We’re splitting hairs here on #1 vs #2 option the Knicks didn’t lose because Brunson was the centerpiece. They lost because the roster is decimated with injuries.
Like making the ECF to get swept by the Celtics is any kind of marker…
Making the Western 2nd round makes you a top 5 team…
Alfonso on suicide watch.
Jokes aside, a lot more talented team is winning by big margin.
OG did not look good. Wait till next yr.
Ok Pacers can’t keep shooting like this, right. Gotta go down fighting. I’d like to see Achiuwa and Hartenstein play more mins together. They are winning reb.
Siakam is having a game. He absolutely can win this for them. Put Precious on him…
This never would have happened if they traded for Demar DeRozan.
I’m telling you …..
He’s a FA
Yes, you have been telling us for last 2 years. I’m fine with him as a NYK, long as Geraldo Reinsdorf doesn’t pay for him.
24 mins ……. Has to be a team effort.
Pacers playing ……. young guys growing up.
Fitting it all ends with a Brunson injury.
Pacers right place right time. …..
Playing a Thibs team in the 2nd round?
The two teams that deserve to be in the east finals are in it by the looks.