OG Anunoby Hurt Early as Knicks Deal With More Injuries

The New York Knicks are having a rough stretch, and things got even tougher on Friday night. OG Anunoby left the NBA Cup game against the Miami Heat early with a hamstring injury. He played only five minutes before heading to the bench, then to the locker room. Soon after, the team announced he would not return.

This came at a bad time for the Knicks. Jalen Brunson had already been ruled out after hurting his right ankle the night before against Orlando. He even left that game on crutches, so fans were already worried. Losing Anunoby on top of Brunson made the night even more stressful.

Before the injury, OG Anunoby scored 3 points and grabbed 2 rebounds while shooting 1-of-4 from the floor. Jordan Clarkson took his spot to start the second half. When Anunoby left, Miami was holding a close lead at 55–51 with about five minutes left in the second quarter. The Heat were also missing two of their own key players, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, but still ended the first quarter up 36–32.

Right now, the big question is how serious OG Anunoby’s hamstring strain is. The Knicks haven’t shared more details yet. With a five-game road trip starting Monday, the timing could be tough. Brunson is already expected to miss the trip, and if Anunoby also stays behind, the team could be very short-handed.

OG Anunoby’s injury is more than just a defensive loss. He has been a strong offensive player, too. Last season, when Brunson missed time with another ankle problem, Anunoby stepped up and averaged over 23 points per game with strong shooting numbers. If Brunson is out again, the Knicks will need Anunoby to stay healthy.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges tried to keep the Knicks going after OG Anunoby left. Towns had a huge first half, scoring 31 points and helping New York jump out to a 78–68 lead at the break.

The Knicks have been dealing with injuries since the season started. Towns, Mitchell Robinson, and Josh Hart all had issues early on. Hart is still playing through a nerve injury in his shooting hand. OG Anunoby has been helping fill the gaps, averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.1 steals while shooting almost 40% from three in the first 11 games.

If Anunoby’s injury is minor, he might be able to rest and return for Monday’s rematch against the Heat. The Knicks could really use some good luck right now.

Also Read: Knicks Fans Angry After Jalen Brunson’s Ankle Injury in Magic Loss