OG Anunoby, Knicks
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OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks celebrates after a made 3-point basket in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 6, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
The New York Knicks opened their five-game road trip with a dominant statement victory — and head coach Mike Brown believes OG Anunoby’s performance showed exactly why the veteran forward belongs in the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
Anunoby delivered one of the most complete two-way performances of the season during the Knicks’ 142-103 rout of the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, finishing with 34 points on 11-of-17 shooting, including 6-of-11 from three-point range, while adding seven rebounds, five assists and four steals.
The Knicks overwhelmed Denver, handing the Nuggets their largest loss of the season and tying a franchise record for margin of defeat at home.
Denver superstar Nikola Jokić scored 38 points, but the Nuggets never found an answer for New York’s relentless defensive pressure and balanced scoring attack.
For Brown, Anunoby’s performance reinforced what he has seen from the forward throughout the season.
“He’s playing powerful,” Brown said after the game. “He’s making quick decisions and touching the paint. He’s knocking his shot down. And then, defensively, he’s just on another level. If he keeps that up, that’s Defensive Player of the Year-type stuff — for sure first-team All-Defense.”
OG Anunoby’s Versatility Anchoring New York’s Elite Defense
Anunoby’s defensive value has been particularly evident in matchups against elite opponents.
Brown pointed out that the 6-foot-7 forward routinely guards multiple positions — often within the same possession.
“He’s guarding point guards, and then, I don’t know how many times Jokić won MVP, he’s guarding him,” Brown said. “And then he’s guarding everyone in between. It’s been phenomenal and fun to watch because he can do a lot.”
That defensive versatility has become a cornerstone of New York’s identity this season.
Knicks guard Josh Hart echoed Brown’s assessment of Anunoby’s all-around impact.
“That’s what he can do,” Hart said via The Athletic. “Defensively, he can guard 1 through 5. Offensively, he can get to his spots, knock down shots and get into the paint.”
Over the last five games, Anunoby has elevated his production on both ends of the floor.
During that stretch, he is averaging 20.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.8 assists per game, while shooting 57.4 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range.
The Knicks have also surged defensively during that span, posting the best defensive rating in the NBA at 99.4 points allowed per 100 possessions.
Knicks Star Rediscovering Form After February Injury
Anunoby’s recent surge comes after he dealt with a painful injury setback earlier in the season.
The forward missed four consecutive games in February because of a toenail avulsion, an injury that created an open wound after his toenail was removed.
Since returning to the lineup, Anunoby has regained the aggressive two-way form that made him one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders during his time with the Toronto Raptors.
His only previous All-Defensive Team selection came during the 2022-23 season, his final full year in Toronto.
Now, Brown believes the 28-year-old is playing at an even higher level in New York.
Massive Contract Reflects Knicks’ Faith in Anunoby
The Knicks made their long-term commitment to Anunoby clear after landing him from Toronto.
In 2024, New York signed him to a five-year, $212.5 million contract, the largest deal in franchise history.
Anunoby initially arrived in New York in December 2023 as part of a blockbuster trade with Toronto.
The Knicks acquired Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn in exchange for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round pick.
Since then, Anunoby has become a key pillar of the Knicks’ defensive identity and playoff aspirations.
Knicks Strengthening Hold on Eastern Conference Standings
The victory over Denver pushed New York to 41-23 on the season and 7-3 over its last 10 games, strengthening its grip on the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks maintain a 1.5-game lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers while also remaining within striking distance of the No. 2 Boston Celtics, who recently welcomed star Jayson Tatum back from injury.
If Anunoby continues producing at both ends of the floor, Brown believes his case for Defensive Player of the Year recognition will only grow stronger as the season progresses.
And if Friday’s performance was any indication, the Knicks’ defensive anchor is just getting started.