Knicks Survive Another Road Battle as OG Anunoby Sets the Tone in Gritty Win

For the second consecutive road game, the New York Knicks were forced to dig deep. Nothing came easily on Monday night in New Orleans, but once again, they proved capable of winning the kind of game that defines elite teams.

Down by double digits early, New York erased a 10-point deficit, absorbed the physicality, and executed when it mattered most, edging past the New Orleans Pelicans 130–125 at the Smoothie King Center. The victory moved the Knicks within a single game of the Detroit Pistons for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

At the center of it all was OG Anunoby.

Anunoby Impacts the Game Even Without a Hot Shooting Night

It wasn’t a flawless offensive performance for OG Anunoby, but it didn’t need to be. When his jumper wasn’t falling consistently, Anunoby adjusted, finding points through cuts, strength at the rim, and second-chance opportunities.

More importantly, his influence extended far beyond the box score.

Anunoby finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds, adding three steals and a block, while leading all players with a +16 plus-minus. In the defining moments of the game, he was everywhere — switching defensively, closing out with force, and making the right decision possession after possession.

Physical Presence That Changed the Game

New Orleans leaned heavily into physical play, attempting to wear New York down with size and contact. Anunoby met that challenge head-on. His strength on the perimeter and ability to guard multiple positions allowed the Knicks to withstand the Pelicans’ pressure without compromising their defensive structure.

Whether battling on the glass or stepping into passing lanes late in the fourth quarter, Anunoby consistently delivered high-impact plays when the margin for error was razor thin.

Mike Brown Praises His Two-Way Star

Head coach Mike Brown made it clear after the game just how valuable Anunoby’s performance was, particularly in the moments that matter most.

Brown highlighted Anunoby’s defensive footprint, his physicality, and his ability to punish closeouts offensively, underscoring how difficult he is to guard regardless of matchups. The message was unmistakable: Anunoby’s versatility is central to what the Knicks are building.

Why This Win Matters for New York

This wasn’t just another regular-season victory. It was a test of composure, toughness, and adaptability — and New York passed.

Winning on the road against a physical opponent while climbing the Eastern Conference standings sends a clear signal. The Knicks are not only talented, they are resilient. And when games tighten, they now have multiple players capable of tilting outcomes.

On this night, that player was OG Anunoby.

As the postseason picture continues to take shape, performances like this reinforce why he is indispensable — not just as a scorer or defender, but as the connective force that elevates everything around him.