LeBron’s OG Anunoby Take Reveals Something the Knicks Cannot Ignore
LeBron James praised OG Anunoby’s Finals impact, but Jalen Brunson’s MVP case remains strong. The bigger lesson concerns how the Knicks use both stars.
LeBron James’ assessment of OG Anunoby’s Finals performance invites a debate about individual recognition. For the New York Knicks, it also raises a more useful question: how can they continue maximizing Anunoby alongside Jalen Brunson?
During the October 13 episode of Mind the Game, James identified Anunoby as his choice for New York’s most valuable Finals performer. He highlighted the forward’s consistency, perimeter shooting and timely defensive contributions while also acknowledging Brunson’s leadership.
Brunson’s case for the award remains compelling. Anunoby’s impact nevertheless offers an important lesson for the Knicks’ offense: keeping him involved can make the entire team more difficult to defend.
Game 4 Showed Why Anunoby Earned Such Strong Praise
Anunoby delivered an outstanding Game 4, scoring 33 points on 10-for-15 shooting, including seven three-pointers in nine attempts.
His late defensive stop and winning tip-in supplied the defining moments of New York’s 107–106 comeback victory. Those plays captured his ability to influence a game through different responsibilities, from spacing the floor to protecting a possession and finishing around the basket.
His performance also illustrated the value of maintaining offensive involvement for a player with demanding defensive assignments. When Anunoby becomes a consistent scoring threat, opponents must account for him throughout the possession.
Brunson was essential in that same game, producing 36 points and seven assists. New York’s narrow victory required both players to perform at an exceptional level.
Brunson’s Game 5 Explains the Finals MVP Decision
The championship-clinching game provided a powerful argument for Brunson’s recognition.
He scored 45 of the Knicks’ 94 points, accounting for approximately 47.9% of the team’s offense in a four-point victory. Anunoby finished with 11 points on 3-for-11 shooting.
That contrast demonstrates why having multiple dependable contributors matters. When one scorer has a less efficient night, another must be capable of taking on a heavier burden.
Brunson delivered under those conditions with the championship within reach. His ability to generate offense when New York urgently needed it gives substantial weight to his Finals MVP case.
The Knicks Should Keep Anunoby Involved Throughout Possessions
The practical takeaway from James’ comments concerns Anunoby’s role moving forward.
New York can benefit from giving him opportunities before possessions become difficult: early touches, cuts into available space and chances to attack a defense that is still rotating. Those are tactical possibilities rather than a claim that the Knicks have committed to a particular adjustment.
Consistent involvement could also help prevent the offense from placing too much responsibility on Brunson. A defense forced to track Anunoby’s movement and scoring opportunities has more decisions to make.
Brunson would still handle the demanding possessions that require his creation and judgment. The goal would be to give him stronger support across the rest of the game.
Their Finals Performances Showed the Value of Shared Responsibility
Anunoby’s Game 4 and Brunson’s Game 5 offered different examples of decisive basketball.
One combined exceptional shooting with crucial defensive and offensive plays late in a comeback. The other featured a captain supplying nearly half his team’s points to secure the championship.
For the Knicks, preserving that range of contributions is more important than revisiting the trophy presentation. Brunson’s leadership and shot creation provide a foundation. Anunoby’s involvement can expand what New York builds around it—and give opponents more problems to solve.
