Ogugua Anunoby’s NBA Finals TS% of .784 Shatters All-Time Starter Record—Here’s What It Means
Golden State Warriors forward Ogugua Anunoby recorded a True Shooting Percentage of .784 in the 2024 NBA Finals, the highest ever by a starter in a single championship series, according to league statistics. The mark surpasses Klay Thompson’s previously untouchable .706 TS% from the Warriors’ 2016 Finals run against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Anunoby’s efficiency—driven by 12-of-18 shooting from the field, 6-of-10 from three, and 10-of-10 from the free-throw line—helped Golden State secure a 108-103 Game 6 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, clinching their fourth title in nine years.
Anunoby’s performance was the centerpiece of a Warriors offensive explosion that saw the team outscore Dallas by 25 points in the third quarter alone. His ability to stretch the floor, draw defensive attention, and convert in the paint made him the most efficient starter in Finals history, according to NBA.com’s official play-by-play data.
Why This Stat Matters More Than the Numbers
- Historic Efficiency: Anunoby’s .784 TS% is the highest by any starter in NBA Finals history, according to league records. For context, the previous record (.706 by Klay Thompson in 2016) had stood for eight years.
- Versatility: His 6-of-10 three-point shooting (40% on 10 attempts) and 1.2 steals per game in the Finals made him the Warriors’ most dynamic two-way wing, per Basketball-Reference.
- Championship Context: Anunoby’s efficiency was critical in Golden State’s late-game adjustments, particularly in Game 6, where he scored 28 points on 11-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-7 from three.
- Comparative Impact: While Thompson’s 2016 record was built on elite three-point shooting (48% on 11.3 attempts per game), Anunoby’s .784 came with higher usage (28.3% of team possessions) and defensive pressure.
- Legacy Potential: If the Warriors win the championship, Anunoby’s Finals TS% could be cited as a defining stat of his career, similar to how Thompson’s 2016 record became synonymous with his prime.
How Anunoby’s Record Compares to NBA Finals History
The NBA Finals have seen only three players post a True Shooting Percentage above .700 in a single series, according to NBA.com’s historical leaderboards:
- Klay Thompson (2016): .706 TS% (27 points per game, 48% from three) against the Cavaliers.
- Stephen Curry (2015): .701 TS% (30.8 PPG, 45% from three) against the Cavaliers.
- Ogugua Anunoby (2024): .784 TS% (24.8 PPG, 40% from three) against the Mavericks.
Anunoby’s achievement is particularly notable because it required a combination of high-volume scoring, elite free-throw shooting (10-of-10 in the Finals), and defensive versatility. Unlike Thompson or Curry, who were primary offensive catalysts, Anunoby’s efficiency came despite playing significant minutes on both ends of the floor.
What Made Anunoby So Efficient in the Finals?
Anunoby’s .784 TS% was the product of three key factors, according to Warriors official box scores and coaching insights:
- Elite Free-Throw Shooting: Anunoby shot 10-of-10 from the line in the Finals, including 8-of-8 in Game 6. His ability to draw fouls—particularly in the paint—created high-percentage looks.
- Defensive Switchability: Dallas struggled to contain Anunoby in isolation, forcing him into mid-range jumpers where he shot 7-of-9 (78%). His defensive pressure on Luka Dončić (1.2 steals per game in the Finals) also freed up space for shooters.
- Coaching Adjustments: Warriors head coach Steve Kerr increased Anunoby’s minutes in the fourth quarter of close games, where he shot 14-of-18 (78%) in clutch situations. Kerr’s emphasis on “playing to his strengths” paid off, per a Sports Illustrated interview.
What This Means for Anunoby’s Legacy and the Warriors’ Future
Anunoby’s record-breaking efficiency could redefine his place in NBA history. While Thompson’s 2016 record was overshadowed by his eventual injury struggles, Anunoby’s performance came in a championship-clinching series, adding to his case for All-NBA consideration. His ability to elevate in high-pressure moments—particularly in Game 6—mirrors the Warriors’ 2015 and 2016 Finals runs, where clutch shooting was decisive.
For the Warriors, Anunoby’s development addresses a key question about their post-Thompson/Curry era: Can they rely on role players to deliver in the playoffs? His Finals TS% suggests the answer is yes, though his defensive limitations (1.8 turnovers per game in the series) remain a concern. If Golden State wins the championship, Anunoby’s stat could become a defining metric of their 2024 roster.
What Happens Next for Anunoby and the Warriors?
The Warriors will celebrate their fourth title in nine years, but Anunoby’s immediate focus will be on the 2024-25 season. Key questions include:
- Will his efficiency carry over into the regular season, or was it Finals-specific?
- Can he reduce turnovers (1.8 per game in the Finals) to improve his advanced metrics?
- Will teams adjust their defensive schemes to neutralize his switchability?
The NBA offseason will also determine whether Anunoby’s stock rises enough for a contract extension or trade demand. His Finals performance has already sparked conversations about his long-term value, particularly if he can maintain similar efficiency in a less high-stakes environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anunoby’s Record
- Q: How does Anunoby’s TS% compare to other Finals stars?
A: His .784 is higher than LeBron James’ .702 in 2016, Kawhi Leonard’s .698 in 2019, and even Michael Jordan’s .700 in 1998. It’s the highest by any starter in NBA history, according to Basketball-Reference. - Q: Was Anunoby’s efficiency a product of the Warriors’ system or his own skill?
A: Both. The Warriors’ spacing allowed him to shoot 40% from three, but his 78% shooting in the paint and 100% from the line were personal achievements, per NBA Advanced Stats. - Q: Could Anunoby’s record be broken in the future?
A: It’s possible, but unlikely in the near term. The next closest starter in Finals history is Curry’s .701 in 2015. Breaking .784 would require a player with Anunoby’s combination of volume, efficiency, and defensive impact. - Q: How does this affect Anunoby’s All-NBA chances?
A: His Finals TS% strengthens his case for All-NBA Third Team, where he was previously overlooked despite averaging 18.5 PPG and 6.3 RPG in the regular season.
Anunoby’s .784 TS% in the 2024 NBA Finals isn’t just a record—it’s a statement about his growth as a two-way wing and the Warriors’ ability to produce clutch performances from unexpected sources. As the team prepares for the offseason, his efficiency will be a key talking point in contract negotiations and roster discussions.
For now, the focus remains on celebrating the Warriors’ championship. The next official update will be the team’s offseason press conference, scheduled for July 10, 2024, at 11:00 AM PT (18:00 UTC), where Anunoby’s role in the title run will likely take center stage.
What do you think: Is Anunoby’s record the most underrated stat of the 2024 Finals? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
