The New York Knicks kept pace in the tight Eastern Conference playoff chase on Tuesday night with a dominant 106-79 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. New York (38-27) stayed in the East's fourth seed and split a quick doubleheader with their divisional rivals after a tough offensive showing two nights prior.
Tuesday's win saw OG Anunoby return to the Knicks' starting lineup after missing 18 games with an elbow injury. As the Knicks put forth another strong defensive effort, Anunoby also contributed 14 points to the cause, hitting 6-of-11 from the field.
"I think it's a lot better than it was in the month of January," Anunoby said of his elbow, per Phillip Martinez of SNY. "I'm happy. It should get better and better ... (I) missed playing here, missed the fans, missed my teammates. It was a great feeling for sure."
Since the Knicks traded for Anunoby on Dec. 30, they've gone 13-2 when he's been available. Anunoby's departure coincided with the loss of Julius Randle, who remains out with a dislocated shoulder.
It's clear Knicks' that the Knicks will need Anunoby at full strength if and when their playoff run gets underway. If he's able to maintain his traditional level of defense and serve as a threat from distance alongside Randle and Jalen Brunson, the Knicks can be a massive threat in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Anunoby will look to continue ramping up for the postseason when the Knicks head out to the West Coast for a four-game road trip that begins on Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers (10 p.m. ET, MSG).
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