Knicks' OG Anunoby Shares Injury Update After Game 1 Win Over Cavaliers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 20, 2026 1:01 AM ET

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby returned to action in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday. Anunoby has missed the past two games due to a right hamstring strain. He sustained the injury late in Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round. The 28-year-old forward had no choice but to leave the game.

In his first game back, it was obvious that he had to brush off some rust. Anunoby finished with 13 points on 2-for-9 shooting. Despite his offensive struggles, however, the Knicks were able to secure a 115-104 overtime win over the Cleveland Cavaliers to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Reporters questioned Anunoby about his feelings following the game because he had his right thigh taped when he was on the bench. Fortunately for the Knicks, it was a positive update from the starting forward.

"I felt good," OG Anunoby said.

"A little rust, but that was expected. I knew that. Just play hard, keep shooting my shots, keep being aggressive."

OG Anunoby says he felt "good" on the floor tonight as he returned from his hamstring injury: pic.twitter.com/KkbpjfYkfX
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 20, 2026

Before tip-off, Anunoby was listed as questionable. Head coach Mike Brown told the media that the 2019 champion was a game-time decision and had to be cleared by the Knicks' medical staff.

The Knicks overcame a 22-point lead from the Cavaliers late in the game. Star guard Jalen Brunson took over in the fourth quarter and scored 15 points on 77.8% shooting to send the game to overtime. The impressive performance from the former Villanova star helped the team stay resilient. He also received praise from some of his teammates.

OG Anunoby Praised Jalen Brunson for His 38-Point Game

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), forward OG Anunoby (8), and center Karl-Anthony Towns (32)© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Knicks never took their foot off the gas and mounted a comeback to protect their home court. Most of the credit goes to Brunson, who finished with 38 points, the second-most points he's scored in this year's postseason.

Anunoby appreciates being his teammate, and he had high praise for the Knicks star after the statement win.

"He's an amazing player. I'm happy he's on our team, I think we're all happy he's on our team. He's a great player, we love having him as a teammate."

"He's an amazing player. I'm happy he's on our team, I think we're all happy he's on our team."

- OG Anunoby on Jalen Brunson pic.twitter.com/g7nz6Ve3Yb
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 20, 2026

Brunson isn't the only player who has stepped up for the Knicks this playoffs. Anunoby was the team's second leading scorer before he suffered an unfortunate injury. Through the first eight games, the one-time All-Defensive player has averaged 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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