After the New York Knicks rolled past the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-108 and took a 3-0 Eastern Conference Finals lead, coach Mike Brown turned to a different kind of scoreboard. Hours before Game 3, OG Anunoby was named to the All-Defensive second team instead o
For most of Saturday night in Cleveland, the New York Knicks looked like they were already playing the next round. They turned a playoff weekend into a rout—blowing out the Cavaliers 121-108 to seize a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jalen Brunson led the charge with 30 points, shooting 10 of 19 from the field and going 10 of 12 at the line. Mikal Bridges finished with 22 points, hitting 11 of 15 shots. OG Anunoby added 21 points. seven rebounds. and four assists. and he did it efficiently: 60% from the floor. 75% from three. and a perfect 6-for-6 from the line.
But the statement that carried the sharpest sting came later—tied to a different honor, and timed to the league’s biggest defensive recognition.
Just hours ahead of Friday’s Western Conference Finals matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. the NBA announced the All-Defensive teams for the 2025-26 season. The first team was headlined by Victor Wembanyama alongside Chet Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Rudy Gobert, and Derrick White.
Anunoby, meanwhile, landed ninth in total voting with 67 points. His total included 11 first-place votes and 45 second-place votes, earning him a spot on the second team. The second-team lineup paired him with Scottie Barnes, Cason Wallace, Bam Adebayo, and Dyson Daniels.
After Game 3 on Saturday, Knicks coach Mike Brown stepped into the moment and didn’t soften his tone. In his view, Anunoby’s placement didn’t match the impact he’s had.
“Freakin’ OG got robbed. He should’ve been first team all defense … The versatility that guy brings to this team is off the charts, and I hope the voters get it right next time around. I’m happy he’s on the second team. He deserves something, but it was wrong.”
Brown’s complaint wasn’t built on a vague feeling. It was backed by a season that, by multiple defensive measures, stands out.
In 2025-26, Anunoby produced one of the best two-way stretches of his career. He averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game across 67 games. He finished tied for third in the NBA in steals per game. He was also one of only three players in the league to average more than 0.6 blocks per game alongside that steal rate—joining Ausar Thompson and Tyrese Maxey.
His advanced defensive output was similarly strong: he posted a 3.2 Defensive Win Share, his highest mark since 3.7 back in 2021-22. He also received votes for Defensive Player of the Year, the sport’s top defensive honor.
Still, for all that production, this was only the second time in his career he’s made an All-Defensive team.
Taken together, the weekend’s results and the award announcement sharpen the central frustration inside the Knicks’ orbit. Saturday’s numbers showed what Anunoby has been doing on both ends, while the league’s ballot placed him one tier below the top defensive group.
Heading into the next chapter, Brown’s comments add extra heat to a Knicks team already playing with momentum. Game 4 is Monday in Cleveland, with New York looking at a possible closeout and an All-Defensive snub that refuses to stay in the past.
OG Anunoby Mike Brown Knicks Cavaliers Eastern Conference Finals All-Defensive teams Victor Wembanyama Chet Holmgren Ausar Thompson Rudy Gobert Derrick White Jalen Brunson Mikal Bridges