Knicks’ win over Trail Blazers comes with another OG Anunoby concern

PORTLAND, Ore. — An easy Knicks victory and a Jalen Brunson masterpiece was clouded by the sight of OG Anunoby feeling clear discomfort in his surgically repaired elbow. 

The team’s defensive stalwart appeared to aggravate his right elbow in the second quarter of Thursday’s 105-93 victory over the shorthanded Blazers, unable to hide his irritation while logging 36 minutes.

In that way, the night was a microcosm of the season.

Brunson was spectacular while scoring 45 points, hitting 14 of his 30 field goals.

The Knicks beat up on a bad team, improving to 24-3 against opponents under .500.

They won their second straight and remained fourth in the East, a full game ahead of the No. 5 Magic.  

Jalen Brunson, who scored a game-high 45 points, makes a pass during the Knicks’ 105-93 win over the Trail Blazers. Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

But once again, there’s concern about the health of one of their most important players.

To be clear, the Knicks never confirmed that Anunoby suffered an injury during the game, and he never went to the locker room. 

He finished with 12 points and there were encouraging signs that this was nothing more than a tweak.

But there was a surgery a little bit more than a month ago.

And then there was an incident at the Moda Center. 

With 3:35 left in the second quarter, Anunoby reached to strip Portland’s DeAndre Ayton.

The steal was successful, but Anunoby quickly grabbed his elbow and audibly expressed pain. 

OG Anunoby, who scored 12 points, slams home a dunk during the Knicks’ win. Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

He pivoted to the sideline holding his elbow and was subbed out eight seconds later after a foul.

Anunoby was attended by a trainer on the bench and had his elbow wrapped. 

The 26-year-old, a free agent this summer, sat the remainder of the first half and returned to play after the break.

He clearly felt discomfort, however, while fidgeting and bending his elbow intermittently on the court.

The fact that he kept playing — logging 9 ½ straight minutes to start the second half — was probably a good sign, especially that it included two of his dunks.

But he then returned to the bench for more treatment, a discussion with a training staffer, and more wrapping on his elbow. 

Jalen Brunson is fouled by Toumani Camara during the Knicks’ win. Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

He played 10 1/2 minutes in the fourth quarter, watching Brunson punish Portland with 24 points in the second half. 

You May Also Like

The Left Doesn't Care About Latin American Children. Here's Actual Proof.

I feel like I’ve said this a thousand times, but the…

Bestselling author found murdered on her houseboat

German police have launched a murder investigation after a bestselling novelist was…

Gene Hackman's Final Autopsy Reveals A Truly Horrific Detail

Ron Davis/Getty Images Gene…

Shocking moment Brit tourists brawl with Thai locals in vicious road rage row as women desperately try to intervene

Two British tourists have been fined after brawling with Thai locals in…