OG Anunoby made sure the Greek Freak became relatively ordinary when the Milwaukee Bucks took on the New York Knicks on Friday night.
Given Giannis Antetokounmpo’s duty on defense, Anunoby held the Bucks star in relative check on Milwaukee’s visit to Madison Square Garden: Antetokounmpo had 24 points and 12 rebounds that seemed relatively paltry compared to his averages of 33 and 13.3, respectively, over his last four games.
New York won the final 116-94, building a huge lead as Anunoby outlasted Antetokounmpo. Most of Antetokounmpo’s damage came when the game was out of reach, as he was 6 of 10 in a second half that saw the Knicks (4-4) lead by as many as 30. Anunoby also forced three steals and two blocks, accounting for a quarter of Milwaukee’s 10 turnovers.
“OG is very unique,” coach Tom Thibodeau noted. “He has power, speed, anticipation and a second- and third-effort mentality. A lot of what he does goes unnoticed, but his teammates have high regard for him. You can’t measure the little things he does on every possession.”
Anunoby also carried some offensive weight: Although he was 1-of-8 from three-point range, he ended up with 14 points and also recorded six rebounds to go along with five assists.
November 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives the basket against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagine Photos/Brad Penner-Imagine Photos
Antetokounmpo was in no mood to discuss Anunoby’s impact in the contentious postgame session. On the other hand, his teammates in the victorious Knicks locker room were more than happy to take on such an assignment.
For example, Anunoby has already made a lasting impression on new Nick Karl-Anthony Towns, who is well accustomed to defensive proficiency thanks to his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“He’s special. He’s very special and what he brings to the defensive end,” Towns said, per SNY’s Felipe Martinez. “I’ve been in the league for a decade now. I don’t know many people who play like OG in my life. One of the best defenders I’ve ever seen and played with Rudy Gobert. It’s special. I can’t say it enough.
“It looks so easy and effortless the way he can do it,” guard/captain Jalen Brunson said in the same report. “It’s pure talent that he has. The way he can guard the ball, the way he plays off the ball in situations, he’s a special piece for us. He’s been great since he’s been here.”
Anunoby will look to wrap up the weekend on a high note on Sunday, when the Knicks visit the Indiana Pacers (5 p.m. ET, MSG).
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