OG Anunoby leads Knicks' scoring during Brunson's absence

Jalen Brunson, the Knicks' captain, is currently recovering from an ankle sprain. His absence has led the team to look for new scoring leaders. OG Anunoby has stepped up as a strong candidate for this role. Before Brunson's injury, Anunoby was showing promise as a scoring option for New York. Anunoby signed a large contract with the Knicks over the summer and has begun to shine. He has been scoring consistently, helping maintain the team's performance while Brunson is out. So far in March, Anunoby has scored 20 or more points in most of his games. Head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Anunoby's overall gameplay, especially his defense and ability to create scoring chances. Currently, Anunoby is averaging 21.9 points per game this month, a significant increase from his season average of 16.8 points. His shooting from three-point range is at 40 percent. Compared to earlier in the season, when he struggled with scoring, he has found a rhythm. Teammate Josh Hart noted that Anunoby has become more aggressive and decisive on the court. As Brunson's absence has changed the game dynamics, Anunoby's number of touches on the ball has increased. While he still ranks low in touches among starters, his scoring has also gone up during this time. Before Brunson's injury, Anunoby had already shown his scoring potential. He scored 23 points in a game against the Miami Heat and 29 against the Golden State Warriors. Anunoby has evolved from being mainly a shooter to a versatile scorer, using various methods to contribute to the team's offense. With Brunson expected to be out for at least two more weeks, the Knicks need Anunoby to continue his strong performance. They don’t need him to replace Brunson, but his current form could be crucial for the team's success until their star player returns.