The New York Knicks delivered an impressive performance in Cleveland, defeating the Cavaliers 121-108. This victory gives the Knicks a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals. Jalen Brunson led the team with 30 points, shooting 10 of 19 from the field and 10 of 12 from the free-throw line. Mikal Bridges added 22 points with an accurate 11 of 15 shooting. OG Anunoby contributed 21 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, shooting 60% from the field and 75% from the three-point line. He also went a perfect 6-for-6 from the line.
Off the court, the NBA announced the All-Defensive teams for the 2025-26 season. Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert, and Derrick White made the first team. OG Anunoby earned a place on the second team. He ranked ninth in total voting with 67 points and received 11 first-place and 45 second-place votes. His fellow second-team members include Scottie Barnes, Cason Wallace, Bam Adebayo, and Dyson Daniels.
Following the Knicks’ Game 3 victory, Knicks head coach Mike Brown expressed his disappointment with Anunoby’s exclusion from the first team. Brown stated, “OG got robbed. He should’ve been first team all defense. The versatility that guy brings to this team is impressive, and I hope the voters get it right next time. I’m happy he’s on the second team. He deserves something, but it was wrong.”
Anunoby had one of his best seasons in 2025-26, averaging 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game over 67 games. He tied for third in the league in steals per game and was one of only three players to average over 0.6 blocks per game alongside that steal rate, joining Ausar Thompson and Tyrese Maxey. Anunoby also recorded 3.2 Defensive Win Shares, his best since 2021-22. He received votes for Defensive Player of the Year, highlighting his defensive prowess.
This marks only the second time Anunoby has been named to an All-Defensive team, despite his consistent performance over the years. Coach Brown’s comments might give the Knicks an additional motivational boost as they prepare for a potential Game 4 clincher in Cleveland.