Raptors: Nick Nurse shouts out OG Anunoby’s excellent defense

While some Toronto Raptors fans may complain (rightfully so) about what OG Anunoby brings to the table on the offensive end, even the most irritated fan must acknowledge that he is one of the game’s best on-ball defenders by a fairly substantial margin.

While Monday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets became more known for Scott Foster ruining the ending with some horrible calls, capped off by ejecting Barnes with just a few seconds left in the game. This tarnished what was a standout night from both teams, especially on the defensive end.

Anunoby, who scored 12 points in 35 minutes, received praise from both sides of the aisle for his defense on Nikola Jokic. While it’s impossible to slow down a player who might win three MVPs in a row, Anunoby did as good of a job on him as a 6-7 forward could have.

Nick Nurse praised what Anunoby has done over the last few games. Nurse mentioned that OG has matched up against a unicorn big like Jokic, a traditional scoring wing in DeMar DeRozan, and a ball-dominant guard in Bradley Beal twice in the last week, performing well in each game.

Raptors: Nick Nurse said OG Anunoby defended Nikola Jokic well

Per Sports Synergy, Anunoby went into last night’s game allowing the lowest opposing field goal percentage in isolation situations at just over 28%. While Jokic nearly recorded a triple-double, Anunoby held him and the Denver offense in check for large chunks of the game.

Anunoby may have given the rest of the NBA a small hint with regard to slowing Jokic down. Not only was Anunoby’s length and effort problematic, but Denver trying to get OG switched off Jokic was often met with defensive supercharger Jakob Poeltl filling the void. Jokic only attempted eight shots and made five as a result.

Nights like Monday are why Masai Ujiri is going to find it incredibly difficult to trade Anunoby in the offseason. While Toronto may not be able to fulfill his desire for an expanded offensive role, no one they get back in a trade will be able to match Anunoby’s defensive skills.

Anunoby can be a frustrating watch on any given night due to how all over the place he can be, but a locked-in OG on the defensive side of the ball can be an absolute nightmare for even the most robust and experienced foe out there.