Knicks forward OG Anunoby dunks over Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert on January 1, 2024. Photo by Charles Wenzelberg via The New York Post
Two days before 2024, the Knicks and Raptors trade was a move that took the basketball world by storm. And at least for one game, it has seemed to pay off for the Knicks so far.
The first game of 2024 for the Knicks involved taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves, the top team in the Western Conference. And although it was a close one, the Knicks would end up taking the game 112-106. A common theme this season has been the Knicks’ lack of ability to defeat top teams, but that theme failed to carry over for this game.
The details of the trade which went underway on December 30th saw the Knicks trade former third-pick R.J. Barrett, along with beloved bench piece Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round pick, to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn. Anunoby spent the last seven seasons in Toronto and immediately had an impact in his first game as a Knick. He played 35 minutes on the court, finishing with 17 points and 6 rebounds.
Free Agent
The 26-year-old is known for his defense as well as his ability to score. He’s not the superstar the Knicks still desperately need, but does make for a good supporting piece. The only downside is that he will be a free agent after this season, so whether or not the Knicks will lose him remains to be seen. One aspect that may play into the Knicks’ favor is that Anunoby’s agent, Sam Rose, is the son of Knicks GM Leon Rose. But right now, though, the focus for Anunoby is on this season.
“I felt good,” Anunoby said after his first win as a Knick. “I felt good. Just trying to help the team on both ends. Just talking to guys on defense and them talking to me, helping know where to be, and stuff. Felt good.”
“I thought for the first game, impressive,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “Just to be ready, and kind of figure it out on the fly. Played smart, played off people well, hustled, moved without the ball, shot good shots, made good plays…very good start.”
Monday’s game also saw the debut of Precious Achiuwa, who actually spent some of his high school years in The Bronx, so he’s already accustomed to New York. With their victory over Minnesota (24-8), New York now sits at 18-15. That’s currently 7th place in the East, and the Knicks will have to improve further and start winning more games if they are serious about contending.
