OG Anunoby spoke on Thursday, June 4, ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals, as the New York Knicks prepare to face the San Antonio Spurs holding a 1-0 series lead.
The forward pointed to consistency in approach when asked about sustaining success through the postseason stretch. “Just going into each game with an edge. Not worrying about the previous game, going in with the same intensity and then focusing on just doing what it takes to win.”
He expanded on how the team manages momentum and expectations inside the locker room during long playoff runs. “Just after the game’s over, the next day just reset. Prepare for the next game, watch the film, try to clean up the things that you messed up on or adjust whichever way is needed. And just come into the game with zero zero mindset like Kat said. Just focus on the next game.”
Anunoby also described the defensive identity New York has leaned on throughout the postseason, especially against high-level opposition. “I think we just tried to be physical and be aggressive defensively. I think we try to make anyone we’re playing uncomfortable and we don’t want people to be comfortable. So, just taking up space when we can. Always make sure to get a contest and just fly around communicating on defense. It’s a collective effort as a team.”
When asked about Karl-Anthony Towns’ role in matchups against elite bigs like Victor Wembanyama, Anunoby highlighted the team’s confidence in his impact. “I mean, we know Karl’s an amazing player. We know that he can do it against anyone. He’s a great player. He always finds a way to impact the game. Whether it’s shooting, scoring in the post, passing, rebounding, defense, whatever way, he finds a way to impact the game. So, we’re always confident in him.”
The Knicks forward also addressed how New York handles swings within games, including large deficits that have appeared multiple times during the playoff run. “Just knowing that basketball is a game of runs. A team might go on a run early in the game or midway through the game. Just staying with it, playing the way we play, focusing on taking good shots and playing good defense and finishing possessions out with rebounds. And just knowing that we’re going to go on our own run as well. So, just staying with it throughout the game. It’s a 48-minute game.”
He was also asked about a key shot over Wembanyama from Game 1, where he found space late in the game despite tight coverage. “Whenever I get the ball, I’m always just surveying, looking, trying to create some space. And whenever I feel I have any space, I’m always ready to shoot. So, just like any other shot.”
Anunoby was additionally asked about Jalen Brunson’s reputation in high-pressure matchups and delivered a brief assessment of the Knicks guard’s approach. “I mean, yeah, Jalen, whoever he plays against, he’s just a great player. No matter who he’s playing against, he always has the same confidence in himself and he just does what he does.”
