OG Anunoby is a man of few words but many laughs.
The Knicks star became one of five Knicks-related ESPY Award wins on Wednesday night at Lincoln Center, as he took home Play of the Year honors for his game-winning tip-in during Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
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The soft-spoken Anunoby went on stage to accept the award, but his speech quickly went from humble to hilarious.
OG Anunoby accepts the Best Play award onstage during the
2026 ESPY Awards at David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. Getty Images
“Uh, it’s truly such an honor to win an ESPY to cap off an amazing year and special moment for our team,” Anunoby began, before taking a pause.
The camera shot zoomed out on Anunoby, who then awkwardly spread his legs, hunched over to level with the microphone and stood in silence for several long seconds.
Jalen Brunson (who won three individual ESPYs), Mikal Bridges and the rest of the crowd gathered at New York’s Lincoln Center erupted into laughter as a smiling Anunoby tried to continue his remarks.
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“To the best fans in the world, we thank you for all your love and support,” Anunoby continued while holding back his own laughter. “Winning a championship for the city is truly so special, and I want to thank God, my teammates, the entire Knicks organization and all those who supported me along the way.
“Go Knicks!”
Since being acquired from the Raptors in December 2023, Anunoby has endeared himself to teammates and fans alike, both for his two-way on-court prowess and stoic demeanor.
He went viral for not being able to end an Instagram Live after the Knicks won the Finals in San Antonio, and once again drew attention for his stone-faced appearance on “Good Morning America” days later.
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Of course, none of it happens without his iconic tip-in against the Spurs at Madison Square Garden, a shot that cemented his place in New York sports lore.
OG Anunoby’s speech led to laughter after a brief pause in which he spread his legs and tried to level with the microphone. Getty Images
The Knicks staged a dramatic comeback in Game 4, rallying from a playoff-record 29-point deficit to take the lead late in the fourth quarter — punctuated by Anunoby, who sprinted toward the basket and tipped a missed Brunson 3-pointer for the win with 1.2 seconds remaining.
In addition to Brunson and Anunoby’s wins, the Knicks came away with Best Team honors at the ESPYs, capping off an epic season and evening.
