New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby continues to toe the thin line between star-caliber offensive talent and the lack of assertiveness that prevents him from getting there. It's a frustrating truth, but one that also reveals how close he is to pushing the Knicks to a championship level.
With his aggressiveness as a scorer playing a direct role in varying levels of team success, Anunoby holds New York's future in the palms of his hands.
Anunoby has regressed to some degree from a statistical perspective since his breakthrough season in 2024-25. He averaged 18.0 points on 13.9 field goal attempts per game a year ago, but is down to 16.5 points on 12.0 attempts in 2025-26.
Those numbers are somewhat misleading, however, as Anunoby has increased his average from 17.7 points per 36 minutes to 17.9, and has improved his efficiency from .477/.372/.810 to .484/.377/.818.
Though his scoring volume and efficiency have increased, his attempts have still declined. He's averaging 0.7 fewer field goals per 36 minutes, which may not be a drastic difference, but still reflects a change that's gone in the wrong direction.
If the Knicks hope to compete for a championship, then they need Anunoby to embrace a more assertive and aggressive role as a scorer.
Knicks need an assertive OG Anunoby to realize their full potential
Thus far in 2025-26, the Knicks are 20-4 when Anunoby scores at least 20 points. That's a captivating level of dominance, with signature wins over the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Toronto Raptors along the way.
New York is also 15-4 when Anunoby attempts at least 15 field goals and 21-9 when he exceeds his average of 12.0 with a minimum of 13.
In terms of what type of shots the Knicks need Anunoby to take, it's 14-2 when he attempts at least eight two-point field goals and 20-6 when he takes at least seven. By comparison, it's 8-6 when he attempts at least eight three-point field goals and 15-9 when he puts up a minimum of seven.
Following the numbers, it's clear that Anunoby shouldn't be avoiding the three-ball, but should absolutely be making a concerted effort to attack the basket.
Along those same lines, Anunoby's off-ball activity plays a significant role in team success. He's shooting 30.6 percent on catch-and-shoot threes during losses this season, but surges to 46.8 percent during wins.
The question is: Which version of Anunoby will the Knicks get come the playoffs? If it's the assertive and efficient wing they need, they can defeat anyone.