An art too often lost in a modern NBA where the triggers are activated on all sides, defense remains essential on a basketball court. One of the specialists in the field has just signed a rather incredible performance, by extinguishing in quick succession 5 of the most creepy offensive players in the league. Hats off.
In today’s NBA, being an excellent shooter can quickly earn tens of millions of dollars on a contract. Being a hardworking defender, on the other hand, is much less valued. It is, however, one of the major characteristics to claim to win an NBA title, and it is not names like Draymond Green, Marcus Smart or Giannis Antetokounmpo who will tell you otherwise.
OG Anunoby’s defensive masterclass against 5 monsters
To this list, the time has come to add the name of OG Anunoby, who did not steal it. As compiled by the NBA Central account, the winger is simply coming off of 5 consecutive games in which he has prevented scoring stars from being effective. Quite dizzying:
O.G. Anunoby’s defense over his last 5 games:
Donovan Mitchell: 2/7 FG (28.6%)
Luka Doncic: 5/12 FG, 2 turnovers
Kevin Durant: 2/6 FG, 4 turnovers
Dejounte Murray: 1/5 FG (20%)
Jimmy Butler: 1/4 FG, 2 turnoversDPOY type stuff ???????? pic.twitter.com/WoTfPQjBzj
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) November 29, 2022
That’s worthy of a Defensive Player of the Year ????????
In total, blow after blow, and without respite between the different matches, Anunoby held this lineup of stars at a poor percentage of 32% (11 shots made out of 34 attempted). A feat in terms of the names in front of him, and which cements the place of the Raptors player among the most difficult defenders to face in the entire league.
During this crazy run, the most accomplished performance probably came against the Mavs. That night, Anunoby put up constant defensive pressure, rewarded with 9 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. On the other side of the field, he fueled offensively, with 26 pawns. Video speaks louder than numbers:
O.G. Anunoby’s stellar two-way performance in Raptors-Mavs
• forcing Luka Doncic into turnovers with strong perimeter defense
• scoring all over the court, on and off the ball:
pull-up and C&S threes, spinning drives, faceup FLOATAs, crashing the glass, tough rim finishes pic.twitter.com/RNiPH73UmJ— Beyond the RK (@beyondtheRK) November 28, 2022
Slowly but surely, OG Anunoby continues to develop superbly for his 6th NBA season. By continuing to lock stars in this way, there is no doubt that the British-Nigerian will engrave his name permanently in the top contenders for the title of Defensive Player of The Year. Anyway, that’s all we want.
