OG Anunoby kept the focus on execution after the New York Knicks’ 109-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, stressing that the Knicks did not force their offense and instead let the game guide their choices.
“We just take what the game gives us,” Anunoby said after New York moved halfway to its first NBA Finals trip since 1999. “Stepping into threes, attacking closeouts, driving the lane, moving the ball. That’s what the game calls for.”
Anunoby’s words matched the way the Knicks played. New York had 32 assists on 44 made field goals, shot 52% from the floor and broke the game open with an 18-0 third-quarter run that turned a tied game into a 71-53 lead.
The Knicks got a playoff career-high 26 points from Josh Hart, and Anunoby was not surprised by the burst from a player Cleveland seemed willing to leave open on the perimeter.
“Just the trust and the belief that the team had. We see him do it all the time. So I’m not surprised it’s going in,” Anunoby said.
Hart went 5-for-11 from 3-point range and added seven assists, while Jalen Brunson finished with 19 points and 14 assists after Cleveland sent extra attention his way all night. Anunoby said Brunson’s value showed up in the pass-first stretches as much as the scoring.
“Just finding other ways to impact the game,” Anunoby said. “If there’s two on the ball, find the open man. Just making the right play.”
The Cavaliers held New York to 93 points in Game 1, but Anunoby said the Knicks stayed connected and adjusted well after the first meeting.
“I think we just take what the game gives us,” he said. “I think we’re smart players so we can figure it out on the fly. And then also very well coached. They prepare us really well. And everyone’s just in sync.”
That spacing showed up again in Game 2, especially when the Knicks attacked closeouts and moved the ball quickly before Cleveland could reset its defense. Anunoby credited both the regular season and playoff intensity for helping the group reach that level of timing.
“Just the grind of the regular season and practices,” he said. “And then, I guess in the playoffs, the focus went up another level.”
Anunoby also praised Mikal Bridges, who scored 19 points and remained efficient throughout the night. “He’s an amazing player,” Anunoby said. “He’s been his whole career. So I’m not surprised at all.”
Looking ahead to Game 3 in Cleveland, Anunoby said the Knicks know the Cavaliers are still dangerous despite the 0-2 hole.
“Quick start,” he said. “Get stops and play the right way on offense. They’re a great team. They were just down two in the last series. We know they’re resilient.”
