Knicks Dominate Cavaliers, Take Lead in Eastern Conference Finals
The New York Knicks showcased remarkable skill on Saturday night in Cleveland, defeating the Cavaliers 121-108. This victory secured them a strong 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. Jalen Brunson was a standout performer, scoring 30 points with impressive shooting stats of 10 of 19 from the field and 10 of 12 from the free-throw line. Mikal Bridges added to the success, making 11 of his 15 shots to contribute 22 points.
OG Anunoby was also integral, scoring 21 points along with seven rebounds and four assists. His shooting was efficient, hitting 60% from the floor, 75% from beyond the arc, and a perfect effort from the line. However, Anunoby’s significant performance this weekend extended beyond Saturday night’s game.
Prior to Friday’s Western Conference Finals clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, the NBA revealed the All-Defensive teams for the 2025-26 season. Victor Wembanyama was a key member of the first team, alongside Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert, and Derrick White. Meanwhile, Anunoby placed ninth in total votes, securing a place on the second team thanks to 11 first-place votes and 45 second-place votes. He joined Scottie Barnes, Cason Wallace, Bam Adebayo, and Dyson Daniels in the lineup.
After Saturday’s Game 3, Knicks head coach Mike Brown expressed frustration with the voting results. In his view, Anunoby was unfairly omitted from the first team despite his versatile contributions. Brown remarked, “Freakin’ OG got robbed. He should’ve been first team all defense… The versatility that guy brings to this team is off the charts, and I hope the voters get it right next time around. I’m happy he’s on the second team. He deserves something, but it was wrong.”
Anunoby’s season has been remarkable with an average of 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game over 67 games. He was third in the league for steals per game and was one of only three players to average over 0.6 blocks per game alongside that steal rate, a feat shared with Ausar Thompson and Tyrese Maxey. Additionally, Anunoby achieved a 3.2 Defensive Win Share, his highest since the 2021-22 season’s 3.7. He even received votes for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
This recognition marks only the second All-Defensive team honor in Anunoby’s career, despite his consistent defensive contributions in the Eastern Conference, spanning five years. As the Knicks head into potentially closing out Game 4 on Monday in Cleveland, Brown’s comments might serve as extra motivation for the team.