OG Anunoby is back in the lineup, but the New York Knicks are still waiting for his shot to return with him.
OG Anunoby sat out four consecutive games before the All-Star break due to a toenail avulsion on his right foot. He has since returned, but his performance over the first four games back raises concerns for the New York Knicks.
Since coming back on Feb. 19, Anunoby has averaged just 10.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. He’s shooting 34.7% from the field and an alarming 16% from three-point range.
Prior to the injury, he was far more efficient, hitting 47.9% of his shots overall and 37% from beyond the arc. That kind of decline is difficult to dismiss as a simple slump. He has gone from being one of the league’s most efficient wings to struggling to find his rhythm, which is significant for a Knicks team that depends heavily on his two-way impact.
The nature of the injury makes the situation even more concerning. Anunoby described it as extremely painful, noting it involved an open wound. A toenail avulsion is more serious than it may sound.
Because players rely on their toes for balance, lift, and push-off, even playing at less than full strength can affect movement and shooting confidence. If he’s not fully comfortable on that foot, it could explain the dip in his production.
OG Anunoby Stats Since Return Show He Is Still Finding His Rhythm
In his first game back against Detroit, that impact was obvious. He managed just eight points while shooting 3-of-13 from the field. In a challenging matchup where the Knicks needed his offense, he struggled to find any rhythm.
Defensively, he still made his presence felt, recording a season-high four blocks. Even so, the overall outing underscored that he was not quite back to full form.
There were more encouraging signs in New York’s 108-106 victory over Houston on Feb. 22. He scored 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting and added four steals. His assertiveness returned, and that version of him is exactly what the Knicks will need as they approach a demanding stretch against top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Prior to getting hurt, he had been one of the league’s most reliable wings in clutch situations, posting the highest offensive rating among qualified players in those moments. Regaining that level of late-game efficiency is crucial for this group.
With the playoffs about two months away, New York cannot afford much leeway if its core players are less than 100 percent. His defensive intensity and competitiveness remain intact, which is significant. Still, for the Knicks to make a serious postseason push, they will need him to rediscover his shooting touch before the stakes rise.
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