Knicks Wack Wolves in OG's MSG Debut

Welcome aboard, OG. New York has been waiting for you.

Final Score: Knicks 112 - Wolves 106
Knicks Record: 18-15 

Sometimes, these post-game rundowns are difficult to write, as it can be challenging to pinpoint one central focus or primary takeaway. And sometimes we get a game like Monday's matinee at MSG, where that stuff writes itself. 

Coming into the New Year's Day matchup with Minnesota, all eyes were focused on the Knicks' newest addition, OG Anunoby, making his debut in orange and blue after being acquired via one of the most significant trades in recent franchise history. 

Many fans were initially disappointed when news of the deal first broke over the weekend. Maybe it was because many of them (understandably) had such a strong affinity for home-grown Knicks RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Perhaps it was because some were unfamiliar with Anunoby's game. 

Well, it was only one contest, but the early returns were undeniably encouraging. As I detailed hours after the trade was consummated, I thought it was an exceptional move by the Knick. But don't take my word for it. 

"I guess you can say OG's a perfect fit," Jalen Brunson said after the win over the Wolves. 

"He seems like a perfect piece that complements our team very well," Julius Randle told reporters. 

"I thought first game, impressive, really just to be ready and to kind of figure it out like on the fly," coach Tom Thibodeau said.

With Brunson and Randle as their offensive centerpieces, the Knicks desperately needed a 3-and-D wing. And they got one of the best such players in the NBA. On Monday, despite having minimal familiarity with the Knicks playbook and his new teammates, OG was able to make an immediate impact. 

Despite Thibs saying he planned to ease OG into the lineup, Anunoby logged a team-high 20 minutes over the first two quarters, and the Knicks were cooking, taking a 61-49 lead into halftime. 

With just under five minutes remaining in the third quarter, OG buried a three-pointer from the left corner off a dish from Jalen Brunson, who had penetrated into the paint. OG checked out on the following dead ball, with the Knicks up by 22 points, 83-61. Incredibly, over the first 27 minutes of his Knicks career, Anunoby was +29.