OG Anunoby was a factor across the floor.
The playoffs are the time where every facet of the team is tested and any player can make an impact.
While the connectivity of teams are put on a spotlight, the series format of the playoffs also means that teams get a chance to see each other over and over across multiple weeks and in each game, a new opportunity for someone to stand out arises.
For the New York Knicks, who defeated the Atlanta Hawks in six games and capped off that series win with a historic 140-89 blowout, it was OG Anunoby who showed up the most throughout the series and made an impact on every spot on the floor.
New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) drives on Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye (18) in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesAnunoby's Impact
In Anunoby's two-and-a-half seasons with the Knicks, he's proven that he's a difference maker no mater what role he's in. He plays with pace and can put points on the board, he's scrappy and pestering on the defensive end and he does all of the little, intangible things that build to winning overall.
That varied skillset was on full display in the opening round of the playoffs. Anunoby averaged 21.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game against the Hawks and he was one of many factors that built toward the Knicks' blowout in Game 6 with 18 points on 6-9 shooting along with eight defensive rebounds.
New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Brett Davis-Imagn ImagesBridges Praises Anunoby
"[He was] just doing everything. Scoring, rebounding, defense, making plays. He's doing everything out there and that's who we need. i think he''s going to continue doing that for us," Mikal Bridges said of Anunoby (via SNY).
As Bridges said, the Knicks will need Anunoby to keep being his usual self as they move on to the second round of the playoffs against the winner between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics.
When Anunoby is playing well, it sets the tone for the rest of the Knicks to follow and even if the rest of the team is dragging, Anunoby has the ability to elevate them and spur on late-game surges.
While the Knicks are led by their marquee stars in Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, it's their supporting cast that has been a huge part of making them as successful as they've been, with Anunoby being the leader of that cast.
By all accounts, the Knicks should have a clear path through the Eastern Conference side of the playoffs, but to do that they'll need to keep operating at full strength the way they showed they can against the Hawks, and they'll need Anunoby to do that.