NEW YORK — OG Anunoby demonstrated exceptional performance by scoring 19 of his total 32 points during a flawless third quarter as the New York Knicks triumphed over the Phoenix Suns with a 112-98 victory on Sunday night. Anunoby maintained this outstanding scoring streak even with Jalen Brunson making a comeback to the Knicks’ lineup.
Brunson, back on the court after a month-long absence due to a sprained right ankle, contributed 15 points and six assists. Despite his return, the Knicks didn’t rely heavily on their All-Star guard, especially with Anunoby achieving a perfect third quarter, hitting 7 for 7 shots, including a remarkable 5 for 5 from beyond the arc.
The victory marked a significant milestone for the Knicks, bringing their season record to 50-28. This achievement signifies their first run of back-to-back 50-win seasons since the early 1990s. Karl-Anthony Towns added to the Knicks’ success with 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges scored 22 points against his former squad.
On the disappointing side for the Suns, Devin Booker delivered an impressive 40-point game. However, the team has been struggling, now facing a six-game losing streak following a three-game road trip without star Kevin Durant, who is sidelined due to a sprained left ankle.
Reviewing the implications for the Suns, they are ranked 11th in the Western Conference and will need a significant push in the final week of the regular season to earn a spot in the play-in tournament and keep their playoff aspirations alive. The Knicks, on the other hand, have returned to full strength with Deuce McBride rejoining the squad. McBride added eight points after missing eight games with a groin injury. They are gearing up for a crucial final week facing teams like Cleveland, Boston, and a potential playoff rival, Detroit.
A pivotal moment in the game came when Anunoby, with the Knicks leading by 10, sank two consecutive 3-pointers. Following a Suns basket, he drove past a defender for a slam dunk. He answered another Phoenix score with yet another 3-pointer, orchestrating an individual 11-4 run and expanding the Knicks’ lead to 78-61.
Among the standout statistics, Anunoby managed to score 20 or more points for the 10th consecutive game, marking a personal best in his career.
Looking ahead, the Knicks are set to host the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, while the Suns will face the Golden State Warriors on the same night.