Returning from a Left Hamstring Injury
Just under two weeks after straining his left hamstring, OG Anunoby made a fierce comeback. Anunoby stepped into the New York Knicks’ starting lineup in the decisive Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, played as part of the second round of NBA playoffs. Unfortunately, Anunoby struggled during his time on court, suggesting the injury was yet to fully heal.
Struggle Against Pacers’ Pascal Siakam
Anunoby, known for his dogged defensive style, was noticeably compromised in the showdown at Madison Square Garden. It seemed he struggled to check Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam who had three baskets for six points while Anunoby was in the match. Anunoby, despite making all his shots, including a three-pointer, was subbed out with the Knicks trailing by six points in the first quarter.
Season Ends with Knicks’ Defeat
Anunoby did not return to the court, reflecting his visible discomfort on the night. He ended the Game 7 with a disappointing -6 point differential. That night, the Knicks’ season came to a close with a crushing 130-109 loss, propelling the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Anunoby’s Struggles
“I just tried my best,” a visibly dejected Anunoby commented post match about his struggle to keep up with Siakam, mentioning his inability to sprint or jump effectively. His removal was a carefully calculated move by Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau, considering the conditions. Thibodeau remarked, “I didn’t think it was worth the risk.”
Injury Woes for Knicks
As if Anunoby’s condition wasn’t enough, the Knicks also lost leading scorer, Jalen Brunson, after he fractured his hand in the game. Josh Hart, who had sustained an abdominal strain in Game 6, was ruled questionable before Sunday’s game but joined Anunoby in the starting lineup.
A Tough Return for Anunoby
After a December trade from the Toronto Raptors, Anunoby hadn’t played since succumbing to his hamstring injury during Game 2 of the playoffs, where he managed a career-high 28 points before heading off the court. His return was greeted with thunderous applause, but his struggle and performance signaled an insufficient recovery.
Pascal Siakam’s Dominance
Without a strong defensive play from Anunoby, the Knicks struggled to hold back 6-8 Siakam. The responsibility squarely fell on 6-4 Hart and the undersized Knicks’ starting lineup of four guard. Siakam’s compelling performance gave him an average of 20.0 points and a shooting percentage of 52.8% during the seven-match series.
Knicks Shaken by Injury-spree
The Knicks’ season has been marred by numerous injuries, including losses of All-Star forward Julius Randle and Bojan Bogdanović. Key player Brunson has played through a foot injury since Game 2, showcasing his undying spirit. However, a harder blow came when he had to be checked out for good during the third quarter of Sunday’s game.
Despite these odds, Coach Thibodeau acknowledges the perseverance shown by his players, “Josh and OG just tried to give us whatever they had, it says a lot about them. It was hit after hit. That’s part of it. Guys responded all year long.”
In conclusion, the Knicks will come back stronger next season, ready to put their challenges behind them and come back stronger, despite the obstacles they faced during this NBA playoff series.
Meta description:”Despite a fierce comeback following a hamstring injury, OG Anunoby’s struggle in Game 7 couldn’t salvage Knicks’ season. Read how injuries took a toll on Knicks’ performance in the NBA playoffs at Digital Chew.”