No OG Anunoby, no problem for the New York Knicks on Friday’s Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks in their 108-94 win, finishing with 33 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Mikal Bridges had another great game, scoring 23 points and adding three rebounds and two steals.
However, it was Landry Shamet who was the difference-maker. The journeyman came up huge off the bench, scoring 15 points in 26 minutes. The Knicks are now up 3-0 and are one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jalen Brunson Sends Message After Knicks Win Without OG Anunoby
GettyJalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the second quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026 in New York City.
OG Anunoby suffered a right hamstring strain late in the Knicks’ win in Game 2. He was ruled out for Game 3, but it didn’t matter since the team was able to dominate the Sixers on both ends of the floor.
A lot of Knicks fans were worried about Anunoby’s injury since he has been the team’s most consistent player of the postseason.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Jalen Brunson reacted to the Knicks’ victory despite the absence of Anunoby.
“It was definitely a team effort,” Brunson said. “Now, obviously, we want everyone back healthy, but it’s important to step up and have the right mindset now, to where we got to do to find a way to win.”
Mikal Bridges also credited Landry Shamet for stepping up in Anunoby’s absence.
“Landry is a true professional, you know?” Bridges said. “Mentally, not playing and thrown out there and end up finishing the game. We talk to him and gave him his dap for what he’s done, but that’s just a true professional. He works so hard and just got that mental killer himself.”
With their Game 3 win and a commanding 3-0 lead, the Knicks can afford to keep Anunoby out for longer. Bridges has stepped up, and players like Shamet, Jordan Clarkson and Miles McBride are always ready to contribute.
OG Anunoby Injury Update
GettyOG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks in action during Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026 in New York City. The Knicks won 126-97.
According to Stefan Bondy and Jared Schwartz of The New York Post, OG Anunoby suffered a “very minor” right hamstring strain. He’s considered day-to-day, but he could return for Game 4 on Sunday, as reported by Ian Begley of SNY.tv.
“This is not something that’s going to (take) weeks (to come back from) unless there’s some kind of setback,” Begley said, via HoopsRumors. “If he misses games, it’s going to be a handful of games. He will be back, assuming the Knicks get through Philadelphia. He will be back in this series if the Sixers take a game or two.”
The Knicks likely want to finish the Sixers in Game 4 and get a well-deserved rest ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals. If the Knicks advance, they will face either the Detroit Pistons or Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jalen Brunson Sends Message After Knicks Win Game 3 Without OG Anunoby