OG Anunoby capped a whirlwind season by guiding the New York Knicks to their second NBA championship, outlasting the San Antonio Spurs in a six‑game series.
The forward’s impact was most pronounced in Game 4, where his late‑game heroics turned a looming defeat into a 112‑107 victory, a moment that swing‑shifted the series and ignited celebrations across Manhattan.
His defensive mastery was recognized when he earned a place on the NBA’s All‑Defensive second team, highlighting his ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor.
Anunoby’s college roots trace back to Indiana University, where he spent two seasons before the Toronto Raptors drafted him in 2017. He later added a first championship ring with the Raptors in 2019, joining a select group of Hoosiers alumni who have tasted NBA success.
This season he posted averages of 21.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game in the Finals, while his regular‑season numbers of 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game reflect a steady rise.
Indiana’s NBA Legacy
The achievement places Anunoby among a distinguished cohort of former Indiana players who have secured NBA titles, a list that includes Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, as well as alumni such as Dick Farley, Jon McGlocklin, Steve Downing and Quinn Buckner, each of whom contributed to the program’s rich basketball heritage.
Coaches and analysts alike point to the disciplined development pathways at Indiana University and the broader basketball ecosystem in the state as key factors behind the steady stream of talent reaching the league’s highest stage.