May 6, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) drives past Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona (30) during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
OG Anunoby had been one of the Knicks’ most invaluable pieces of this playoff run — particularly during this dominant five-game winning streak. But now they face an immediate future without him.
Anunoby appeared to suffer a right leg injury late in the fourth quarter of New York’s 108-102 Game 2 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
The forward reached for the back of his leg after cutting to the basket with just over three minutes to go, then was blocked at the rim on a two-handed dunk attempt by Paul George. Following the Knicks’ possession, he motioned to the bench to get him out of the game, and he did not return.
Head coach Mike Brown called timeout and subbed in Deuce McBride, who would play the rest of the contest while Anunoby went to the locker room. Following the game, Brown had no information to offer, adding that he had not yet spoken with the team doctors.
Losing Anunoby would be a massive hit for the Knicks, who are two wins away from a second straight Eastern Conference Final appearance after having to wait 25 years to advance this far.
The 28-year-old has been New York’s most efficient scorer throughout the playoffs, averaging 21.4 points per game on 61.9% shooting from the field and 53.8% from three-point range. He shot 9-of-17 with 24 points, five rebounds, four steals, and two assists in 37 minutes in Game 2.
He is also the Knicks’ most important defender, and it’s no coincidence that they are outscoring their opponents by 118 points when Anunoby is on the floor this postseason.
His versatility remains unmatched. With center Mitchell Robinson out because of an illness, and Karl-Anthony Towns and Ariel Hukporti experiencing foul trouble, Brown went to Anunoby to serve as a small-ball center. The strategy worked, as the Knicks hung with Philadelphia on Wednesday night until they pulled ahead in the fourth, behind a brilliant defensive effort that limited the visitors to just 12 points in the final 12 minutes.
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