The ex-Raptors playoff watch continues to generate favorable outcomes.
As I discussed yesterday, the playoff journeys of former Raptors stars Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet have taken contrasting paths: one team's journey came to an unfortunate end, while the other continues to ride a wave of postseason success.
Well, here we are a day later, and yet another ex-Raptor has become their team's darling thanks to a standout playoff performance. This time, it's defensive stalwart OG Anunoby, as his New York Knicks began their Eastern Conference semi-finals matchup with the defending champion Boston Celtics.
If you caught the game last night and saw New York trailing by 20 points in the second half, the logical response was to essentially write off that team and call it an inevitable Celtics victory. But as is a common understanding in basketball, you should never count out any team when they're down. I mean, the Raptors know a thing or two about that. Remember that December matchup against the Mavericks a couple years ago?
A good run and some defensive stops are all you need to bring your team back within reach, and wouldn't you know it, the Knicks did just that.
In a catastrophic collapse, the Celtics couldn't find their offensive rhythm, setting a new playoff record with 45 missed three-pointers as they ultimately dropped the first game of the series to New York 108-105 in overtime.
So, who's to praise in this complete turnaround for the Knicks? Well for one, Mikal Bridges deserves his own flowers for a crucial steal in overtime to essentially seal the deal for New York. But rewinding back to the focus of this article, it's time to look at the efforts of OG Anunoby.
OG Anunoby puts down the hammer on Celtics in Game 1 of East Semis
Anunoby put up a strong stat line in Game 1 of the East semis: 29 points on 10-for-20 field goal shooting, including 6-for-11 from three. He also contributed four rebounds, three assists, and a steal in a whopping 45:49 of playing time.
Beyond his box score impact, Anunoby's stellar defense was once again the key to shutting down his opposition, as he individually held Celtics players to just 2-for-18 shooting, as noted in the X post below from Knicks writer Steve Popper.
OG Anunoby was a demon defensively -- not just when guarding Tatum. The Celtics numbers with OG as the primary defender are something... pic.twitter.com/RGiImuvTnD
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) May 6, 2025
If I were to weigh in on this current playoff landscape, I'd say the Knicks are in prime position to make a significant impact on their path to the title, assuming players like OG Anunoby and even Mikal Bridges can continue to perform at a high level for New York, both defensively and offensively.
While New York has the tools to achieve title glory, it largely hinges on their glue guys finding that additional boost. Game 1 offered a clear example, with Anunoby doing a tremendous job as a key defender and providing a huge lift on the offensive end.
I think when you have three archetypes in Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby who could all chime in with that push on any given night, either with a lone effort or collectively, I would definitely be worried as an opposing team considering that possibility.
For Raptors fans, we've seen Anunoby's potential on the big stage. Of course, that game-winner over the Celtics in the Bubble is unforgettable for Raptors Nation. Now, as a more experienced and polished NBA talent, are we quickly seeing OG Anunoby emerge as a key threat?
The job is far from finished, and New York still has a long road ahead before they can start riding their high horse, but I certainly believe that's the case. How OG Anunoby performs could quickly show what New York's NBA title aspirations truly rest on.