OG Anunoby has emerged as an essential contributor to the New York Knicks throughout the recent seasons. The former Indiana Hoosiers standout is currently putting up impressive numbers, averaging 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 47.9% from the field and 37.0% beyond the arc in 41 games.
Jalen Brunson Expresses Admiration for Anunoby
During the All-Star weekend, Knicks’ leader Jalen Brunson shared his thoughts about his teammate’s impact and personality. Brunson said,
“He’s unique. Great teammate. He’s a funny dude, one of the funniest teammates I’ve had. He’s a difference maker when he’s on the court.”
?Jalen Brunson, Knicks star
Anunoby’s Career Journey and Performance Highlights
Selected as the 23rd pick in the 2017 NBA Draft after two college seasons, OG Anunoby spent more than six years with the Toronto Raptors before joining the Knicks. Throughout 533 career games, Anunoby’s averages include 13.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 steals, hitting 47.5% from the field and 37.5% on three-pointers.
His influence was particularly significant during the Knicks’ deep playoff runs, including reaching the Eastern Conference finals in 2025. In that postseason, Anunoby averaged 16.3 points and 2.0 steals per game, playing a pivotal role for the team. As noted,
“OG Anunoby is the first player in NBA History with at least a +175 +/- through 13 games with a new team. He’s a +239.”
?KnicksMuse, 2024
Brunson’s Leading Role Among NBA’s Elite
Jalen Brunson has become recognized as one of the NBA’s top 25 players. The All-Star point guard is producing 27.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, shooting 47.0% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range across 50 games. Brunson began his career with the Dallas Mavericks, playing four seasons before signing with the Knicks in 2022.
His scoring dominance in the playoffs has been remarkable:
“Since joining the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson has led BOTH teams in PPG in EVERY playoff series: 2023: 24 (CLE), 31 (MIA) 2024: 35.5 (PHI), 29.7 (IND) 2025: 31.5 (DET), 26.2 (BOS), 30.7 (IND) 7 straight series as the top scorer. Unreal.”
?SleeperKnicks
Additionally, his impact is constant and overpowering:
“JALEN BRUNSON HAS BEEN THE BEST SCORER IN EVERY PLAYOFF SERIES HE’S PLAYED AS A KNICK. Not just on the Knicks. On the FLOOR. Every opponent. Every round. Every year. That’s not a hot streak. That’s who he is. The Brunson Burner is inevitable. 🔥🗽”
?SleeperKnicks
Current Knicks Status and Upcoming Challenges
As of now, the Knicks hold the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 35-20 record after 55 games, demonstrating strength with an 8-2 performance in their last ten matchups. The team is set to resume their regular season on Thursday, welcoming the Detroit Pistons to Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.
Significance of Anunoby and Brunson for Knicks’ Future
The collaboration between OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson has solidified the Knicks as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. Anunoby’s defensive and scoring abilities complement Brunson’s leadership and offensive skill set, driving the team’s playoff success. This dynamic duo’s performance could be the key to breaking the franchise’s decades-long championship drought, as the Knicks last claimed an NBA title in 1973. The coming months will reveal whether their combined impact can propel New York toward long-awaited glory.
"He's unique. Great teammate. He's a funny dude, one of the funniest teammates I've had. He's a difference maker when he's on the court"
–– Jalen Brunson on OG Anunoby pic.twitter.com/9FlM1db7Sm
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) February 16, 2026
OG Anunoby is the first player in NBA History with at least a +175 +/- through 13 games with a new team.
He’s a +239. pic.twitter.com/K1tNDWabfM
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) January 26, 2024
Since joining the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson has led BOTH teams in PPG in EVERY playoff series:
2023: 24 (CLE), 31 (MIA)
2024: 35.5 (PHI), 29.7 (IND)
2025: 31.5 (DET), 26.2 (BOS), 30.7 (IND)
7 straight series as the top scorer. Unreal. https://t.co/1SAumrXAyL pic.twitter.com/sJWNIP1iBU
— SleeperKnicks (@SleeperKnicks) February 14, 2026
JALEN BRUNSON HAS BEEN THE BEST SCORER IN EVERY PLAYOFF SERIES HE’S PLAYED AS A KNICK.
Not just on the Knicks.
On the FLOOR.Every opponent. Every round. Every year.
That’s not a hot streak.
That’s who he is.The Brunson Burner is inevitable. 🔥🗽 pic.twitter.com/0vFJjpYnle
— SleeperKnicks (@SleeperKnicks) February 14, 2026
