Gary Payton Compares Knicks’ OG Anunoby to Kawhi Leonard in High Praise for Elite Defense

The New York Knicks are on a serious winning streak. They have won eight of their last nine games. This surge has pushed them into the NBA Cup semifinals.

A key reason for their success is the return of forward OG Anunoby. His two-way play has been a major boost. According to ESPN, his defensive presence has been transformative for the team’s identity.

Hall of Fame Endorsement for a Defensive Stalwart

Anunoby’s recent play has drawn high-profile praise. NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton recently spoke about him. Payton made a stunning comparison to a former Defensive Player of the Year.

“He and Kawhi Leonard remind me of each other,” Payton said on The Putback with Ian Begley. He highlighted their shared strength and defensive discipline. Payton noted Anunoby makes scorers deeply uncomfortable without gambling for steals.

This comparison carries extra weight. Anunoby and Leonard were teammates on the 2019 Toronto Raptors championship team. While Anunoby is not at Leonard’s peak, his impact is undeniable. His style is fundamentally sound and physically overwhelming for opponents.

More Than Just a Lockdown Defender

Anunoby’s value extends beyond stopping the other team’s best player. His offensive game has also been crucial. He is shooting close to 40% from three-point range on significant volume this season.

This spacing is vital for stars like Jalen Brunson. It opens driving lanes and creates offensive flow. His return has solidified the starting lineup and allowed others, like Mikal Bridges, to thrive in optimized roles.

The Knicks now look like a complete Eastern Conference contender. Their defense, anchored by Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson, is formidable. Their offense has multiple reliable scoring options. This balance makes them a tough out for any opponent.

The Knicks’ championship aspirations are firmly tied to OG Anunoby’s health and performance. His elite defense, now validated by Hall of Fame praise, is the team’s ultimate X-factor.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What exactly did Gary Payton say about OG Anunoby?

Gary Payton said Anunoby reminds him of Kawhi Leonard. He praised Anunoby’s strength and his ability to make scorers uncomfortable. Payton emphasized that Anunoby plays solid, fundamental defense without taking unnecessary risks.

Q2: How has Anunoby’s return affected the Knicks’ record?

The Knicks have been one of the NBA’s hottest teams since his return. They won eight of their last nine games, propelling them to the NBA Cup semifinals. His presence clearly correlates with the team’s winning performance.

Q3: Is OG Anunoby an All-Star candidate this season?

His two-way impact has certainly put him in the early conversation. His elite defense combined with efficient three-point shooting makes a strong case. Continued team success will be the biggest factor in his candidacy.

Q4: What are Anunoby’s key statistics this year?

He is a cornerstone defender, often guarding the opponent’s top wing. Offensively, he is a major floor-spacer, hitting nearly 40% of his three-point attempts. These stats highlight his perfect fit for the modern NBA.

Q5: Why is the Kawhi Leonard comparison significant?

It’s significant because they were teammates on a championship team. Leonard is a former Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP. The comparison from a defender like Payton is a supreme compliment to Anunoby’s impact.