Knicks Dominate Cavaliers as All-Defensive Snub Sparks Controversy

2 weeks ago 0

The New York Knicks delivered an impressive performance on Saturday night in Cleveland, defeating the Cavaliers 121-108. This win secured a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. Jalen Brunson was a standout, contributing 30 points with 10 of 19 shooting from the field and a near-perfect 10 of 12 from the line. Mikal Bridges added 22 points, scoring on 11 of 15 attempts, leaving the Cavaliers’ defense in disarray.

OG Anunoby also played a crucial role, amassing 21 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. His shooting performance was remarkable, with a 60% success rate from the floor, 75% from three-point range, and a flawless 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.

“Freakin’ OG got robbed. He should’ve been first team all defense.” – Knicks head coach Mike Brown

Ahead of Friday’s Western Conference Finals match between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, the NBA announced the All-Defensive teams for the 2025-26 season. The first team included Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert, and Derrick White. OG Anunoby was notably absent from this list.

Instead, Anunoby ranked ninth in the total voting with 67 points, receiving 11 first-place and 45 second-place votes, earning him a spot on the second team. This included other talented players like Scottie Barnes, Cason Wallace, Bam Adebayo, and Dyson Daniels. Knicks head coach Mike Brown criticized the voting results, expressing his belief that Anunoby deserved first-team honors due to his exceptional versatility and value to the team.

During the 2025-26 season, Anunoby performed at a high level on both ends of the court. He averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game over 67 games. He shared the third spot in the NBA for steals per game and was one of only three players to average more than 0.6 blocks alongside his steal rate, alongside Ausar Thompson and Tyrese Maxey.

Anunoby also recorded a 3.2 Defensive Win Share, his highest since 3.7 in the 2021-22 season, and he attracted votes for Defensive Player of the Year. Despite his impressive statistics and impact, this marks only his second appearance on an All-Defensive team.

With these events serving as motivation, Brown’s fiery comments may further fuel the Knicks as they approach a potential series-clinching Game 4 in Cleveland on Monday.