WASHINGTON — The evidence was overwhelming on the one-year anniversary of the trade for OG Anunoby.
The Knicks are a better team with him.
After Monday’s victory over the Wizards, New York’s record with Anunoby in the lineup is a remarkable 43-13 in the regular season.
Without Anunoby — specifically when he underwent elbow surgery last season — the Knicks are 13-14.
It’s the best argument toward a home-run deal for team president Leon Rose, who traded Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett to the Raptors for Anunoby on Dec. 30, 2023.
In Toronto, Barrett is putting up decent numbers but the team is near the bottom of the standings with a 10-game losing streak.
Quickley has played just three games because of injuries.
Anunoby, meanwhile, has played every game this season.
Was there a change in his preparation for staying healthy?
“No. I didn’t have a bone spur in my elbow,” said Anunoby, referencing the problem that led to surgery last season as he knocked on wood. “Really, it’s the same thing I’ve been doing. Taking care of my body, eating well, workout, recovery. All the same things.”
Anunoby has been wearing a wrap around his elbow in recent games but took it off in the second half.
He finished with 18 points in 34 minutes.
“It was falling off. I just ripped it off,” Anunoby said of the wrap. “I just took it off.”
MSG Networks and Altice have reached an impasse in negotiations, meaning Optimum cable subscribers could lose access to the station and all Knicks games beginning Tuesday.
“Despite our good faith efforts, Altice refuses to offer anything close to market terms, making it impossible for us to agree to their unreasonable demands,” MSG Networks said in a statement. “Their marketing slogan is ‘Where Local is Big Time,’ but they may deprive Optimum subscribers of their favorite sports teams shortly when their contract expires — there’s nothing optimal or local about that.”
If a deal isn’t reached, the Knicks-Jazz game on Wednesday would be the first unavailable to Optimum subscribers in the local area.
MSG Networks also broadcasts games for the Rangers, Islanders and Devils.
The Wizards returned Kyle Kuzma, who hadn’t played since mid-November because of a rib injury.
The forward logged 21 minutes with nine points.
There was a scary moment in the third quarter.
Bub Carrington, the 19-year-old Wizards rookie, was wheelchaired to the locker room after colliding with a Knicks player and falling on the court, holding his head.
He was ruled out for the rest of the game with a post-traumatic headache, according to a Wizards spokesman.
One year ago, the New York Knicks made a bold move to acquire OG Anunoby in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. Many questioned the decision at the time, but now, looking back, it’s clear that the Knicks made the right move.
Anunoby has been a key contributor for the Knicks, providing solid defense and scoring on the offensive end. His versatility and athleticism have been a perfect fit for the team’s system, and he has quickly become a fan favorite in New York.
Not only has Anunoby been a great addition on the court, but he has also been a positive presence in the locker room. His work ethic and leadership have helped elevate the team to new heights, and his impact goes far beyond his stats.
Looking back on the trade now, it’s safe to say that the Knicks hit a home run in acquiring Anunoby. He has exceeded expectations and proven to be a valuable asset for the team. The future looks bright for the Knicks with Anunoby in the lineup, and fans can’t wait to see what he will accomplish in the years to come.
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