Anunoby Shines Amid Brunson's Absence for Knicks

OG Anunoby has emerged as a key player for the New York Knicks, both offensively and defensively, during Jalen Brunson's absence due to injury. Anunoby's offensive game has flourished, with him averaging over 23 points in recent games, showcasing his ability to drive to the basket and draw fouls effectively. Despite his offensive success, Anunoby remains focused on his defensive prowess, aiming for recognition as a First Team All-Defense and Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Historically, the Defensive Player of the Year award has been dominated by big men due to their quantifiable stats like blocks, yet Anunoby argues for the importance of his disruptive perimeter defense. He ranks highly in deflections and steals, and despite the challenge, he remains confident in his defensive impact. The Knicks' overall defensive performance, ranking 13th in the league, might hinder Anunoby's award chances, but his individual contributions are undeniable.