OG Anunoby, the 6’9″ forward for the Toronto Raptors, made a highlight-reel play during a December 12 game against the Philadelphia 76ers, but the context of the moment has been muddled by social media claims linking it to the New York Knicks. The play, a defensive block followed by a fast-break layup, was captured in a viral Instagram post that incorrectly associated Anunoby with the Knicks, a team he has never played for. The Raptors confirmed the sequence occurred during a 118-109 victory, with Anunoby recording 14 points and 7 rebounds.
What Happened in the Game?
The play in question occurred in the second quarter of the Raptors’ game against the 76ers at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Anunoby, who has been a key defensive presence for the Raptors this season, used his 7-foot wingspan to block a Joel Embiid shot at the rim, then transitioned to the other end to secure the ball and finish an easy layup. According to the NBA’s play-by-play data, the sequence happened at the 7:42 mark of the second quarter, with the Raptors leading 32-28 at the time.
“It was a typical OG play,” said Raptors coach Darko Rajaković after the game. “His timing on the block was perfect, and he showed the same urgency on the break.” The play was later highlighted on the Raptors’ official Instagram account, though the post did not explicitly mention the Knicks.
Why the Confusion About the Knicks?
The viral Instagram post, which has since been removed, claimed the play was “one of the best moments in New York sports history” and referenced the Knicks with the hashtag #newyorkknicks. However, Anunoby has never played for the Knicks, having been drafted by the Raptors in 2017. The Knicks’ official social media team addressed the confusion on December 13, stating, “We appreciate the sentiment, but OG Anunoby is with the Raptors. Our focus remains on our own roster.”
Analysts suggest the mix-up may stem from Anunoby’s dual heritage—born in the U.S. to Nigerian parents, he has strong ties to New York, where his father, Omondi Anunoby, played college basketball. However, no official connection to the Knicks has ever been established.
What It Means for the Raptors and Knicks
The Raptors, currently third in the Eastern Conference with a 17-10 record, have leaned on Anunoby’s defensive versatility this season. His 1.8 steals per game rank third in the league, and his ability to guard multiple positions has been critical in their playoff push. The Knicks, meanwhile, sit at 12-15, struggling with consistency on both ends of the floor.
“OG’s play highlights the kind of impact we need,” said Raptors guard Scottie Barnes, who averaged 22.3 points per game in December. “But we can’t get distracted by outside noise. Our goal is to win every night.”
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Raptors will face the Boston Celtics on December 17 in a matchup that could influence playoff seeding. The Knicks, meanwhile, travel to Phoenix on December 14 to take on the Suns, who are currently first in the Western Conference. Both teams have their eyes on the 2024 NBA Playoffs, with the Raptors seeking to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference top four and the Knicks aiming to climb out of the play-in tournament picture.
“We’re focused on our next game,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “The past doesn’t matter. What matters is how we prepare for the Suns.”
How to Follow the Story
For real-time updates on the Raptors, visit nba.com/raptors. Knicks fans can check nba.com/knicks for the latest news. Both teams’ official social media accounts will provide game highlights, injury updates, and coaching decisions.
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