Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby each scored 27 points to lead the New York Knicks to a 112-98 home win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
Towns returned from a one-game absence (right knee injury) to co-lead the team in scoring while adding 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
Meanwhile, this was a huge game for Anunoby, who played in Toronto for six-plus seasons before being traded to New York on Dec. 30, 2023 along with Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn for R.J. Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round draft pick.
Anunoby had struggled over the Knicks’ last two games, scoring just 21 total points on 9-of-23 shooting (2-of-9 from three).
He was sensational Wednesday, though, hitting 8-of-13 shots (4-of-6 from three) while making 7-of-8 free throws.
Anunoby authored one of the game’s top plays, stealing the ball from Barrett and hitting a three on the other end to give New York a 66-58 third-quarter lead.
He also helped turned this game into a rout into the fourth quarter, which began with New York leading 86-76. The Knicks eventually took a 112-86 advantage, with Anunoby adding four points, including this dunk:
The final score was a bit misleading, as Toronto went on a 12-0 run in the final two minutes after both teams subbed out their starters.
But this was a big win for the Knicks, who recently hit a rough patch after losing three straight. This was a great get-right victory, though, to move the team to 25-13. The Knicks are also now 8-2 when Anunoby scores 22 or more points.
Fans noted Anunoby’s great outing against his ex-team.
joshhartfan @JMcCulloch13
Play of the game was OG stripping RJ on the drive midway through the 3rd and then sinking a 3 on the other end as RJ trudged back. Turned the game mentally. OG Anunoby all star performance. @JCMacriNBA @KnickFilmSkool
NYKMentality1985. @NYKmentality85
OG Anunoby is absolutely feasting tonight and single handedly proving how and why the #Knicks fleeced Toronto during the trade. pic.twitter.com/CkLGye1Apy
Mat Kaplan @KaplanMatanel
Needed him back bad. When Og plays well we rarely lose. Just needs to find some level of consistency where he’s not scoring 5 points some games. #knicks https://t.co/hWt0CCu0tW
Jim @NYGreenMachine
OG easily the player of the game!! 🔥👊 #Knicks
Anthony @maluckyday99
OG with another DPOY-level performance #Knicks
CP’s True Mets Talk @CPNYSports
OG FEASTING on his former team. Love it. #Knicks
Anthony @maluckyday99
OG having himself a game – been great on both ends of the floor #Knicks
The Knicks will now host the 30-6 Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. OKC had won 15 straight before losing to the 32-4 Cleveland Cavaliers by a 129-122 score on Wednesday.