The atmosphere was electric at Madison Square Garden, as usual. But for the Knicks and Anunoby, the evening turned icy cold within the first few minutes. One transition, a missed lay-up, a misdirected movement… and OG Anunoby stops abruptly, hand on the back of his left thigh. Silence on the bench. Sighs from the staff. The kind of image that hurts, even from a distance.
The Knicks announce OG Anunoby is out for the remainder of tonight’s game with a hamstring injury. pic.twitter.com/R2I8Lt2o24
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) November 15, 2025
A tough blow for Anunoby coming at a bad time
They were still playing the first quarter when the New York forward left the floor, clearly affected in the hamstrings. The diagnosis comes quickly, too quickly to reassure anyone: strain. No stiffness, no discomfort, no tension. Strain. A word that resonates louder than the defenders Anunoby loves to torment.
Stefan Bondy from the New York Post is certain: the injury occurs in the midst of a rush toward the basket, on a play that gave no indication of what was to come. He grimaces, stops, and then heads to the locker room. Evening over. Quentin Grimes picks up the minutes off the bench, but OG’s shadow looms over the game.
And it’s understandable. The start of the British-Nigerian’s season had been all about quiet power. An average of 17 points, almost 6 rebounds, over 2 steals, a constant presence in every passing lane, and the shooting accuracy to make every space count. Luxury at 48 percent shooting, nearly 40 from beyond the arc. A well-oiled machine, essential to Mike Brown’s balance.
His absence now opens a gap that New York clearly did not anticipate. Landry Shamet, Guerschon Yabusele, Pacôme Dadiet… everyone will have to step up.
As if that weren’t enough… Brunson is also missing
Chaos never comes alone, and Jalen Brunson was also in civvies Friday night. Injured in the ankle against Orlando, the point guard could not take his place. Another tough blow, and especially a burning question remains: why was he still on the court Wednesday, trailing by 16 points with less than two minutes left?
Mike Brown took responsibility. Without flinching.
“I’ve seen unreal comebacks. I wanted to win the game. One stop, two long shots, and everything can change. I was playing to win.”
One can debate the risk taken. But there’s no denying that Brunson, with his twisted ankle, is sorely missed.
Thus, Jordan Clarkson took over the point guard duties. Not ideal in an arena that smells of gunpowder, with a physically aggressive Heat determined to defend their home.
Knicks under pressure, already facing the wall
In the span of forty-eight hours, New York has lost its offensive engine and its defensive lock. At the start of a season where everything finally seemed to align, injuries are cracking the momentum, forcing quick adjustments, putting the rotation under strain.
The good news, if there is any: nothing is yet set for the duration of Anunoby’s absence.
The bad news: a hamstring strain never disappears in the blink of an eye.
They will have to hold on, tinker, resist. Because the Eastern Conference never slows down, and the Knicks, they really have no choice anymore.
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