CJ McCollum believes the New York Knicks’ first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks could have ended sooner. The missing piece, he argues, was OG Anunoby’s defense.
McCollum’s comments on the Basketnews podcast have sparked debate. He stated the Hawks “pushed the Knicks to the limit.” New York won the series 4-2. Atlanta took Game 1 by five points and led late in Game 2.
“If the Knicks had OG from the start, they might have swept us,” McCollum said, per Basketnews. “That’s how good he is.”
The Knicks ultimately won three straight games by double digits. Yet McCollum’s perspective as a Hawks guard carries weight. He witnessed New York’s offensive struggles against Atlanta’s switching defense. He still credits the Knicks’ depth and resilience.
Anunoby, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, offers a specific skill set. His 6’7″ wingspan allows him to guard positions 1 through 4. He averages 1.9 steals per game in the playoffs. His on-ball pressure is elite.
His absence exposed a clear gap. In Games 1 and 2, the Knicks allowed 112.3 points per game. Anunoby’s regular-season defensive rating is 108.2. A projection suggests that number could drop to 104.5 with him on the floor.
Statistical Projection: Anunoby’s Impact on Knicks Defense
| Metric | Without Anunoby (Games 1-2) | Projected With Anunoby |
|---|---|---|
| Points Allowed Per Game | 112.3 | 104.5 |
| Opponent FG% in 4th Quarter | 48% | 42% (est.) |
Consider the critical moments. The Hawks led by four with three minutes left in Game 2. Anunoby could have guarded Trae Young or Dejounte Murray. He would have forced contested shots. Atlanta shot 48% from the field in the fourth quarter of that game.
Game 3 was a turning point. The Knicks went on a 17-2 run in the third quarter. Anunoby’s ability to disrupt passing lanes and start fast breaks would have accelerated that momentum. The series could have ended in five games. That saves energy for the next round.
Not everyone agrees with McCollum. Daily Knicks’ Kenny Kluska argues McCollum “misses the mark.” Kluska notes the Hawks were “trudged in the final three games.” The data supports that. The Knicks won Games 3-6 by an average of 14.3 points. They held Atlanta under 100 points in four of six games.
The Knicks’ adjustments, particularly switching more aggressively on defense, showed a team with a clear advantage. McCollum is correct that the Hawks competed early. The Knicks, however, settled in.
Anunoby’s four-year, $100 million contract extension now looks like a bargain. His unique blend of size and quickness fills the Knicks’ biggest playoff weakness. He is comparable to elite defenders like Jrue Holiday and Mikal Bridges.
For the Knicks, the lesson is clear. Defense wins championships. Anunoby is the linchpin. He elevates them from a good playoff team to a legitimate NBA title contender. As the Knicks prepare for the next round, McCollum’s bold claim looks less like a compliment—and more like a prophecy.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What did CJ McCollum say about OG Anunoby and the Knicks-Hawks series?
- A: McCollum stated that if the Knicks had OG Anunoby from the start, they might have swept the Hawks, highlighting his defensive value.
- Q: How does OG Anunoby’s defense impact the Knicks statistically?
- A: Without Anunoby, the Knicks allowed 112.3 points per game; projections suggest that number could drop to 104.5 with him on the floor, including a potential reduction in opponent fourth-quarter shooting percentage.
Extended Reading
Sources: Basketnews, Yahoo Sports, Daily Knicks.