Anunoby hamstring – OG Anunoby practiced again with the New York Knicks and said his right hamstring injury is improving, describing it as not as bad as two years ago. The schedule has shifted as the Knicks swept Philadelphia, pushing the Eastern Conference finals start to Tuesda
GREENBURGH, N.Y. — OG Anunoby worked out with the New York Knicks again on Saturday, right hamstring and all, and the forward sounded more relieved than alarmed as he reflected on the injury that sidelined him during the playoffs.
Anunoby said the right hamstring issue he sustained in these playoffs wasn’t as bad as the one he suffered two years ago. He was hurt late in the Knicks’ victory over Philadelphia in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 6, then missed the final two games of that series.
He returned to practice this week and has been a full participant the past two days. “It didn’t feel as bad as the past when it happened,” Anunoby said. “So knowing that, just trying to improve it day by day.”
With the Knicks sweeping their series, Anunoby has the luxury of extra time to rest and ramp up. Cleveland and Detroit, however, still need a Sunday Game 7, which means the Eastern Conference finals—originally able to start Sunday—won’t begin until Tuesday.
“I think everyone’s excited for the games to start, so just letting the other series play out,” Anunoby said. “So if it was tomorrow — it’s going to Tuesday now — just be ready whenever it is.”
That timing matters because there was immediate concern when Anunoby limped off the court after his importance for New York and the level of his play.. He is averaging 21.4 points in the postseason while shooting 61.9 per cent from the field and 53.8 per cent from 3-point range. and is regarded as the Knicks’ top defensive player.
Anunoby said he felt a quick pain that he tried to play through, missing a dunk after first experiencing it. He called it weird more than painful.
The comparison to his history loomed over his return.. He hurt his left hamstring late in a victory over Indiana in the 2024 East semis as the Knicks were taking a 2-0 lead.. He missed the next four games before returning for Game 7. though he wasn’t ready. and the Knicks pulled him for good after just five minutes because of his clear lack of mobility.
This time, the Knicks appeared to consider the right hamstring less severe. They listed Anunoby as questionable to play in both Games 3 and 4 before he was ruled out.
Guard Mikal Bridges offered a steadier tone when asked about where things stand. “He’s been back and he looks good to me,” Bridges said. “So I think maybe the crowd, maybe the fans and media worried a little bit more, but I know how OG works and how his body is, so I think he’ll be all right.”
Anunoby also described his progression in practice, starting with work in the pool and weight room before advancing to the court, where he said he is able to sprint.
Coach Mike Brown wasn’t sure if Anunoby will be ready for Game 1. but said he is encouraged by what he’s seen in practice.. “To go through that is not fun during this time of the year. because a lot of things come into play. ” Brown said.. “We’re trying to get to the top of the mountain during this time of the year. and. you know. it needs luck.. You need some skill.. You need everybody to be healthy to a certain degree.. So, all that stuff, you want, knock on wood, to be going the right way for you whenever game-time comes.”
The path from May 6 injury to Saturday’s full participation is already mapped out in the timeline the Knicks have lived through: he limped off in Game 2. missed the last two games. returned to practice this week. and went from limited work to being able to sprint—while the schedule delay until Tuesday has kept him from having to rush into the Eastern Conference finals.
OG Anunoby Knicks hamstring injury Eastern Conference finals Mikal Bridges Mike Brown Philadelphia Cleveland Detroit May 6