A Defensive Standout Recognized Again
OG Anunoby, the New York Knicks forward who began his career at Indiana University, has once again been recognized among the league’s best defenders, earning a spot on the NBA All‑Defense Second Team for the second time in his career.
The honor comes after a 2022‑23 season in which Anunoby led all players with 1.9 steals per game and amassed a league‑high 128 total steals, numbers that helped him finish ninth in the overall voting for the All‑Defense team.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown highlighted the player’s blend of length, athleticism and versatility, noting that Anunoby’s ability to guard multiple positions has been a cornerstone of New York’s defensive schemes.
Anunoby’s defensive impact is reflected in his 3.2 Defensive Win Share, the highest mark since his 3.7 DWS in the 2021‑22 campaign, underscoring a continued upward trajectory in his defensive contributions.
The Knicks’ defensive anchor also made a memorable impression during his two seasons at Indiana, where a late‑game block on Jamal Murray in a Sweet 16 matchup against Kentucky drew national attention.
Defensive Dominance Across the Board
Beyond steals, Anunoby contributed 0.7 blocks per game and maintained a defensive rating that placed him among the elite, a testament to his all‑around skill set.
Now, the team finds itself in the Eastern Conference Finals, holding a 2‑0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers, a position that has many analysts projecting Anunoby’s defensive presence as a key factor in the series.