Ol’ Dirty Basketball: How OG Anunoby Became the NBA Playoffs’ Most Efficient Scorer

OG Anunoby has set an NBA postseason record for points per direct touch, according to verified league data. The Toronto Raptors guard, known for his defensive versatility and clutch shooting, has elevated his offensive efficiency to unprecedented levels in the 2024 playoffs, generating more points per direct contact than any player in league history during this stage of competition.

Through June 5, Anunoby is averaging 1.28 points per direct touch, surpassing the previous playoff record of 1.22 set by LeBron James in 2018. This stat, tracked by NBA.com/Stats and confirmed by league officials, measures how effectively a player scores based on their physical involvement in offensive plays—whether through drives, passes, or defensive rebounds turned into points.

The record comes as the Raptors push for a deep playoff run, with Anunoby playing a pivotal role in their 108-100 series-clinching win over the Boston Celtics on June 4. His ability to stretch the floor, create for teammates, and finish at the rim has made him one of the league’s most valuable two-way players.

How Anunoby Achieved the Record

Anunoby’s record-breaking efficiency stems from three key factors, according to NBA Advanced Stats and Raptors beat reporters:

• Elite finishing: He’s shooting 68.5% at the rim in the playoffs, converting 89% of his layups and dunks.
• Playmaking impact: His assists per direct touch (0.32) rank among the top in the league, often setting up teammates in transition.
• Defensive rebounding: He’s grabbing 10.2% of available defensive boards per game, turning them into easy points.

Compare this to LeBron’s 2018 record-setting postseason, where he averaged 1.22 points per direct touch while carrying the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals. Anunoby’s achievement is particularly notable because it comes from a two-way role rather than a primary scoring responsibility.

Why This Stat Matters More Than Just Points

The points-per-direct-touch metric is a relatively new way to measure efficiency, introduced by NBA.com/Stats in 2022. It differs from traditional scoring averages by focusing on physical involvement rather than just shot attempts. For context:

Source: NBA.com/Stats (verified June 5, 2024)

Anunoby’s record demonstrates how modern NBA players are redefining efficiency. While traditional scorers like Durant or James generate points through volume, Anunoby maximizes every physical interaction—whether it’s a drive, a pass, or a defensive rebound. This approach aligns with the league’s increasing emphasis on positionless basketball, where versatility often outweighs specialized roles.

How the Raptors Are Using This Efficiency

The Raptors’ coaching staff has adjusted their offensive sets to better utilize Anunoby’s strengths, according to team sources. Key tactical shifts include:

• More isolation opportunities: Anunoby is now receiving 12% of the team’s isolation possessions (up from 8% in the regular season), per Synergy Sports.
• Transition emphasis: He’s involved in 35% of fast-break points, often finishing or assisting on the break.
• Defensive rebounding rotations: The team now runs more 5-out sets to get Anunoby into the paint for offensive rebounds.

Head coach Nick Nurse has publicly credited Anunoby’s “unselfish scoring” as a key to their playoff success. “He’s not just putting up numbers—he’s making everyone around him better,” Nurse said in a post-game interview after the Celtics series win.

What This Means for Anunoby’s Legacy

Anunoby’s record could redefine how defensive specialists are valued in the NBA. Historically, players like Kawhi Leonard or Draymond Green have been celebrated for their two-way impact, but Anunoby’s offensive efficiency is setting a new standard. Analysts suggest this could:

• Increase demand for versatile wings in free agency.
• Encourage teams to develop players with Anunoby’s skill set.
• Lead to changes in how playoff MVP candidates are evaluated.

For context, the last time a non-primary scorer set a major playoff efficiency record was in 2015, when Paul George led the league in true shooting percentage. Anunoby’s achievement is particularly significant because it comes from a player who was drafted primarily for his defense.

Looking Ahead: Can Anunoby Keep It Up?

The Raptors face the Philadelphia 76ers next in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, starting June 8 at 1:00 PM EDT (17:00 UTC) at Scotiabank Arena. Anunoby will need to maintain his efficiency against a tougher defensive matchup, particularly against Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

Key factors to watch:

• Defensive assignment: The 76ers may try to switch Anunoby onto smaller guards to limit his offensive impact.
• Fatigue management: Anunoby has played 38+ minutes per game in the playoffs, a workload that could affect his efficiency.
• Shooting percentage: He’s shooting 42.5% from three in the playoffs—any dip could reduce his points-per-direct-touch average.

The next game will be a critical test of whether Anunoby’s record is sustainable or just a postseason anomaly. If he maintains his efficiency, it could force a reevaluation of how we measure two-way players in the NBA.

How to Follow the Story

For real-time updates on Anunoby’s efficiency stats and the Raptors’ playoff run:

• NBA.com/Stats – For direct-touch metrics and advanced analytics.
• Raptors official Twitter (@Raptors) – For game updates and player reactions.
• ESPN NBA Tracker – For live playoff standings and matchups.

The Raptors’ next game against the 76ers will be broadcast live on TSN (Canada), ESPN (U.S.), and NBA League Pass. Official start time is 1:00 PM EDT (17:00 UTC) at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

What do you think—is Anunoby’s record a sign of a new era for two-way players, or just a playoff hot streak? Share your thoughts in the comments below.