Anunoby’s Season: The Numbers That Define a First-Team Case

OG Anunoby arrived in New York via trade on December 30, 2025, and immediately transformed the Knicks’ defense. Since his arrival, the team has gone 20-3 when he’s in the lineup—a stretch that includes a 12-game winning streak. His impact is quantifiable: through May 24, 2026, Anunoby is averaging 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 42.3% from three. But it’s his defensive metrics that truly separate him from the pack.

Anunoby finished ninth in the All-Defensive First Team voting, just one spot behind the cutoff. His 67 total points (11 first-place votes, 45 second-place votes) were the highest among any player not selected. For context, the lowest vote-getter on the First Team, Jaren Jackson Jr., earned 73 points. The margin between Anunoby and Jackson was just six votes—a statistical whisper in a league where defensive impact is often decided by fractions.

The Case for Upgrading Anunoby to First Team

Anunoby’s inclusion on the Second Team was never in serious doubt. What’s being questioned is whether the First Team was too conservative. Here’s why the argument holds weight:

• Versatility: Anunoby can guard all five positions effectively, a rarity at the wing position. His ability to switch onto guards, forwards, and even centers has forced opponents to adjust their entire offensive schemes.
• Two-Way Impact: Unlike many defensive specialists, Anunoby doesn’t sacrifice offense for defense. He’s averaging 16.8 PPG while being a top-10 defensive wing in the league.
• Playmaking Defense: His 1.8 steals per game rank second in the NBA among wings, and his ability to initiate swift breaks has been a catalyst for the Knicks’ transition offense.
• Coaching Endorsement: Lamboley has repeatedly praised Anunoby’s defensive IQ, noting how he “reads the floor” better than most wings in the league. “He’s not just a help defender—he’s a rim protector,” Lamboley said in a recent practice session.

Key Moments That Defined Anunoby’s Defensive Season

Several performances stand out as the moments where Anunoby’s case for First Team consideration reached its peak:

1. January 12, 2026 vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Anunoby recorded 4 steals and 2 blocks in a 112-108 Knicks win, holding Giannis Antetokounmpo to 18 points on 6-of-16 shooting. His defensive effort was a key factor in New York’s first win over Milwaukee since 2024.
2. March 5, 2026 vs. Boston Celtics: In a critical divisional clash, Anunoby held Jayson Tatum to 14 points on 4-of-14 shooting while recording 3 steals. The Knicks won 105-101, moving to 40-20 in the standings.
3. April 28, 2026 vs. Philadelphia 76ers: Anunoby’s 24-point, 10-rebound, 3-steal performance included a game-sealing block on Joel Embiid in the final minute. His defensive intensity was a statement in what became a 110-105 Knicks victory.

Comparing Anunoby to Recent First Team Snubs

Anunoby isn’t the first elite defender to be left off the First Team despite strong arguments. In 2024, Kevin Huerter (Dallas Mavericks) and Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers) were similarly snubbed, only to see their cases retroactively validated by post-season performances. The pattern suggests that voters sometimes err on the side of caution with younger players or those who haven’t faced the same level of elite competition.

However, Anunoby’s case is different for one key reason: he’s played against the best. Since joining the Knicks, he’s faced 14 of the 15 teams that made the 2026 playoffs, including multiple matchups against the Bucks, Celtics, and 76ers—three of the NBA’s top four defensive units. His ability to thrive against this caliber of competition is a major factor in his First Team argument.

Reactions from the NBA Community

The snub has sparked reactions across the league:

• Players: Kawhi Leonard, who won Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, told reporters, “OG is one of the best two-way wings in the game. If I was voting, I’d have put him on First Team.”
• Coaches: Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat) called the decision “a mistake,” noting Anunoby’s “elite lateral quickness and basketball IQ.”
• Analysts: NBA TV’s Mark Jackson argued that Anunoby’s defensive impact was “undervalued by the voting system,” which often prioritizes traditional stats over advanced metrics.
• Fans: Social media has exploded with #OGFirstTeam trending, with many Knicks supporters pointing to his 20-3 record in New York as proof of his defensive leadership.

The Post-Season Test: Will Anunoby’s Case Be Validated?

The Knicks currently hold the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 45-20 record. If they advance past the first round, Anunoby’s defensive impact will be put to the ultimate test. His ability to elevate his game in high-pressure playoff situations could be the deciding factor in whether future voters reconsider his First Team snub.

Looking ahead, the Knicks have a critical road game against the Boston Celtics on May 28 (20:00 UTC) at TD Garden. Anunoby’s performance against Tatum and Brown will be closely watched by voters who may still be on the fence about his First Team credentials.