Knicks forward OG Anunoby left Friday night’s game against the Miami Heat with a left hamstring strain and didn’t return.
The injury happened in the first quarter when Anunoby was racing down the court on a fast break. After missing a layup, he immediately grabbed at his hamstring and headed to the locker room, according to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
Jordan Clarkson took Anunoby’s place to start the second half.
This is a tough blow for the Knicks, who are already dealing with another key injury.
Anunoby has been on fire this season, putting up 17.1 points per game while snagging 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals through his first 11 games. His defensive skills earned him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team back in 2022-23.
The Knicks will likely turn to Josh Hart, Landry Shamet, and Clarkson to fill the void while Anunoby recovers.
Before getting hurt, the 28-year-old forward was shooting an impressive 48.3% from the field and knocking down nearly 40% of his three-pointers.
He dropped a season-high 26 points against Chicago on Halloween night, showing just how valuable he’s become to New York’s offense.
Last season was actually one of Anunoby’s healthiest, playing in 74 games – matching his career high. He also set personal bests with 18 points per game while logging heavy minutes (36.6 per game).
Brunson Also Sidelined with Ankle Sprain
The injury bug has hit the Knicks hard this week.
Star point guard Jalen Brunson missed Friday’s game with a Grade 1 right ankle sprain that he suffered Wednesday night against Orlando.
What’s concerning is that it’s the same ankle that caused Brunson to miss 15 games last season. That previous injury was initially expected to keep him out just two weeks, but ended up sidelining him much longer.
Miles McBride stepped into the starting lineup with Brunson out.
Coach Mike Brown faced questions about why Brunson was still on the court when he got hurt – with just under two minutes left and the Knicks down by 16 points.
“I’ve been a part of some crazy, crazy comebacks,” Brown explained before Friday’s game. “I’m trying to win the game. A couple minutes left. A stop and two 3s, and it’s a two-possession game. That’s all I was trying to do, is win the game.”
Brunson has been the Knicks’ offensive engine this season, averaging 28 points and 6.5 assists while shooting nearly 47% from the floor.
His free throw shooting has been particularly impressive – a career-best 86.3%.
The timing couldn’t be worse for New York, which begins a challenging five-game road trip Monday in Miami.
