The Knicks are set to open the Eastern Conference Finals with O.G. Anunoby expected to return to the lineup after missing the final two games of the Philadelphia series with a right hamstring strain. His return changes the defensive equation; New York no longer needs to patch together coverage for Cleveland and can instead lean into the matchup it always wanted for Donovan Mitchell.
Anunoby’s return is not just about having another starter available. It gives Mike Brown more clarity in the wing rotation, frees up Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart for more flexible roles, and should help keep Jalen Brunson out of the primary action early in possessions.
The timing also works in New York’s favor. Game 1 tips off on May 19 at Madison Square Garden, and the Knicks have been off since wrapping up their sweep of the Sixers.
Knicks regain their primary wing defender
Anunoby took part in full practice before the series and said this hamstring strain did not feel as severe as previous ones. If he is moving well, he is the closest thing the Knicks have to a direct answer for Mitchell at the point of attack.
That matters because Mitchell is in full control of the Cavs’ offense. He averaged 25.6 points through the first two rounds and closed out Detroit with 26 points, eight assists and six rebounds in Game 7.
If Mitchell gets downhill against smaller defenders, Cleveland can stack up advantages quickly. Anunoby helps change that dynamic, allowing New York’s defense to stay more connected.
Bridges and Hart shift back to support roles
Without Anunoby, the Knicks rely on effort and size but have to use their other top defenders earlier in possessions. With him back, Bridges can focus more on secondary creators, and Hart can do more rebounding and off-ball work rather than carrying the primary wing assignment every trip.
That is the version of the Knicks’ defense Cleveland has to prepare for, one that is harder to exploit through simple switches or targeted matchups.
Anunoby’s playoff numbers back up his importance. He has averaged 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game across his postseason appearances, giving the Knicks a versatile defender who can cover multiple positions.
Brunson stands to benefit most
The Cavs will look to attack Brunson if he is pulled into the action, but Anunoby helps New York prevent those situations from developing. If Mitchell runs into more length early, it forces Cleveland to work harder to involve Brunson directly.
That matters because Brunson is already carrying a heavy load on offense. The Knicks need him orchestrating the attack, not wearing down from defending the first wave of Cleveland’s primary scorer.
Anunoby does not solve every problem. Mitchell can still make tough shots and force rotations, but he gives New York a much stronger starting point.
Knicks finally have their intended starting five
That is the big picture. After a week of rest, New York is closer to the lineup it envisioned for this series. Anunoby is listed as probable and expected to start, while Cleveland has Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen all available.
The only notable caveat is Larry Nance Jr., who is questionable with an illness. Otherwise, both teams have their key pieces in place.
That means Cleveland faces the defensive question it was always going to have to answer, and the Knicks finally have the wing defender they hoped would be ready for this moment.
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