Knicks’ OG Anunoby gives hamstring injury update after playing 34 minutes in Game 1

The New York Knicks received exactly the kind of postseason reassurance they were hoping for Tuesday night. It came directly from OG Anunoby himself. After missing a few games of New York’s second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers because of a right hamstring strain, Anunoby returned in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals and immediately reminded everyone why he remains one of the Knicks’ most indispensable postseason weapons.

Following New York’s 115-104 overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden, Anunoby offered a calm but encouraging update on his health status.

“I felt good. I felt good,” the veteran forward told reporters after logging 34 minutes in his first action since May 6.

The Knicks clearly trusted his conditioning and mobility. Head coach Mike Brown leaned heavily on him from the opening tip without any visible minutes restriction.

OG Anunoby says he felt "good" on the floor tonight as he returned from his hamstring injury: pic.twitter.com/KkbpjfYkfX

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 20, 2026

Though Anunoby finished with a relatively modest 13 points, five rebounds, and two assists, his impact went far beyond the box score. The Knicks posted a team-best +15 plus-minus during his time on the floor. His defensive versatility once again disrupted Cleveland’s perimeter rhythm throughout the night.

The timing of his return could not have been better for New York, especially after the team strategically rested him during Games 3 and 4 of the second-round sweep. With the Knicks now leading the series 1-0, Anunoby’s healthy return instantly strengthens a lineup already powered by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Anunoby has solidified himself as arguably the Knicks’ ultimate postseason X-factor. After eight postseason contests this year, the 28-year-old wing is averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting a blistering 61.9 percent from the field and 53.8 percent from beyond the arc.

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