Gavin Schall here, the host of the daily Locked On Knicks podcast, with your daily Locked On Knicks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Knicks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
OG Anunoby’s Ascension
The Rise of OG Anunoby: A Key to the Knicks’ Championship Aspirations
In the world of basketball, the New York Knicks are making waves, and a significant part of their success story is OG Anunoby. This season, Anunoby is not just playing; he’s thriving, showcasing a performance that could be described as borderline All-NBA. Over the last nine games, he’s been averaging 23 points, six rebounds, and a couple of assists per game, with shooting percentages that are nothing short of impressive: 58% from the field, 46% from three-point range, and 85% from the foul line. Anunoby’s offensive leap is a testament to his hard work and development, particularly in areas like shooting wing threes, which has been a game-changer for him.
Anunoby’s transformation isn’t about becoming an on-ball superstar like Kawhi Leonard, but rather leveraging his shooting ability and physicality to stay in constant attack mode. His scoring average has improved consistently over the years, and now, the Knicks have an all-star caliber player in their ranks. The most exciting development is his proficiency in non-corner threes, where he’s made an 11% jump, placing him in the 92nd percentile for all wings in the NBA.
Exploiting Mismatches and Defensive Strategies
Anunoby’s ability to exploit mismatches is another critical aspect of his game. Teams struggle to hide their smaller guards against the Knicks, as Anunoby has been punishing these matchups all season. Standing at 6'8" and weighing 240 pounds, he’s one of the league’s strongest players, and he’s been using that strength to dominate in the post. His efficiency in post-up situations is remarkable, ranking among the top in the NBA. He’s particularly deadly when tasked with guarding another team’s smaller guard. In those situations by aggressively running the floor he forces the guard to stay on him avoiding a cross match and then seals said guard and puts him in the stanchion.
Moreover, Anunoby’s dunking ability, especially in half-court settings, sets him apart. He’s ninth in the NBA in dunks, the only wing in the top 19. The Knicks are utilizing his unique threat at the basket in various ways, most recently against the Nuggets as a screener with Jalen Brunson. This strategy opens up the floor, allowing Anunoby to roll to the rim effectively, especially when paired with a shooting threat like Karl-Anthony Towns to pull the opposing big away from the rim.
The Knicks’ offensive strategy has evolved, with a focus on pace and three-point shooting, which has elevated Brunson’s assist rate to career-high levels. This approach is crucial for competing against top teams like the Celtics and Cavaliers, who excel defensively. The Knicks are betting on their offense to overcome these challenges, and Anunoby’s development is central to this strategy.
For more insights and a deeper dive into OG Anunoby’s impact and the Knicks’ strategies, tune into the Locked On Knicks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
- The struggles of Mikal Bridges and potential solutions
- The Knicks’ defensive strategies and lineup adjustments
- Insights into the Knicks’ offensive evolution and pace
- Analysis of key matchups and player performances
Nov 26, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) shoots the basketball over Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro/Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Here’s the thing, Scary Terry has hops. At 30-years-old and with a decade of play under his belt, Terry Rozier can cut like a knife, shake loose defenders, deflect, drive, and kick the ball out to the wing on a layup with the court vision still 20/20. He shoots, too. Tidy jumpers, deep and swooning corner threes, tricky little one-handed layups, fastbreak two-handed deliveries, Rozier runs through them like a personal rolodex.
Perhaps it’s a good reminder, for you as much as me, that age really doesn’t have anything to do with it. For one, despite what we’re led to believe by watching NBA basketball and listening to people talk about it, 30 isn’t old. Besides age, there’s a more important personal factor: whether an athlete keeps up. NBA basketball gets pushed in new directions every season as competitive teams break the mold and not yet competitive teams try to keep up.
Optimization is an unfortunate word in our modern and decidedly capitalist lexicon, but it’s what good athletes do. If there’s a skill to develop, they figure out what it is. Giannis Antetokounmpo in the mid-range this season is a perfect and very successful example. The bigger thing these smaller improvements add up to are teams with a depth of different weapons to pull out against the seemingly unbeatable juggernauts at the top. Occasionally, front offices identify what their unique skillset or style of play can be — think the decidedly big Cleveland Cavaliers, or the micro, play-every-position, Thunder — and build toward it.
For an athlete like Rozier, who many were quick to call a Kyle Lowry 2.0 when he arrived in Miami, the improvisation he’s shown with the Heat was born out of necessity but also an aptitude for reading the room. The Heat are a workaholic organization with a next-man-up mentality they don’t just talk about as an inspirational soundbite, but is twined through the fibre of all that they do.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis The point guard position is in good hands. Shaun Powell takes stock of the position and what the future looks like. (NBA)
Opinion The NBA can tinker with the All-Star Game format all it wants, but there’s only one fix. (The Athletic, subscription required)
Feel Good What happens with the money collected from fines? How the league turns bad moments into good deeds. (SB Nation)
Analysis A deep dive into OG Anunoby’s offensive evolution reveals significant strides in his scoring and playmaking, drawing comparisons to Scottie Pippen for his versatile contributions on both ends of the floor. (Posting and Toasting)
Injury Miles McBride discusses managing chronic knee pain, raising concerns about his long-term health and impact on the Knicks’ rotation. (New York Post)
Preview The Knicks will compete against the Mavericks at the American Airlines Center at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Another Lauri Markkanen Injury For Fantasy Basketball Managers To Digest
Nov 26, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward/center Lauri Markkanen (23) on the floor after a collision with San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images | Christopher Creveling/Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Injury Concerns and Player Updates
Joel Embiid’s ongoing knee issues are another significant concern. With a history of multiple meniscus surgeries, Embiid’s situation remains precarious. His recent absences highlight the risks associated with drafting him early in fantasy leagues. The high failure rate of such surgeries suggests that Embiid’s availability might be limited, making him a risky trade target.
Donovan Clingan’s grade 2 MCL sprain is also noteworthy. The Portland Trail Blazers plan to reevaluate him in two weeks, but this type of injury typically requires a longer recovery period. With Clingan sidelined, players like Ayton and Rob Williams are expected to see increased playing time, making Williams a valuable addition to fantasy rosters.
Lauri Markkanen’s Injury Impact
Lauri Markkanen’s recent knee injury adds another layer of complexity to fantasy basketball strategies. Markkanen, who has been dealing with back and knee issues, was helped off the court after a knee knock. While the injury doesn’t appear to be a severe ACL or MCL tear, it could sideline him for at least a week, if not longer. This development opens up opportunities for players like John Collins to step up and fill the void, potentially increasing their fantasy value.
Oct 25, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forwards Mikal Bridges (25) and OG Anunoby (8) warms up before a game against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner/Brad Penner-Imagn Images
OG Anunoby’s Rise And Mikal Bridges Fall: A Tale Of Two Knicks Wings
Gavin Schall and Alex Wolfe talk you through the NEW *clears throat* WIN OF THE SEASON!!!
They discuss OG Anunoby’s career night, the best passing game of Jalen Brunson’s career, Karl-Anthony Towns owning his matchup with Nikola Jokic and another tough night for Mikal Bridges.
OG Anunoby Drops 40 And The Knicks Decimate The Denver Nuggets
The New York Knicks delivered a performance for the ages, dominating the Denver Nuggets in a game that showcased their potential on both ends of the court. This victory was marked by a franchise-record 45 assists, highlighting the team’s improved ball movement and chemistry. The Knicks’ defense was equally impressive, holding the Nuggets to 118 points and demonstrating a significant leap in their defensive efforts.
Heads or Thibs: Making the Case For (And Against!) The Rookies Getting More Playing Time
Alex and Gavin play a new game: Heads or Thibs! At the flip of a coin, one of Alex or Gavin is forced to become Tom Thibodeau, and explain why Pacome Dadiet, Ariel Hukporti, and Jericho Sims shouldn’t be getting minutes, while the other makes a case for their rookie to get more minutes.
