Anunoby from the Knicks takes the offensive game to a new level

DENVER – When the Knicks signed OG Anunoby to the richest contract in franchise history this summer, they secured the strongest defensive weapon on their roster for years to come, a player capable of destroying point guards and… the next to guard the centers. Or on nights like Monday against the Denver Nuggets, where you do both and more.

But an early additional return on the franchise’s investment was Anunoby putting up the best offensive numbers of his career. After scoring 27 points on Saturday at Utah, his most in a single game since joining the Knicks, he is averaging 17.8 points per game, a career-high 40% from three-point range.

That’s what $212 million gets you, and that’s what the Knicks need now – a player who is their best defensive player and who has developed into a crucial offensive weapon. Jalen Brunson remains the Knicks’ captain and most dangerous weapon, and Karl-Anthony Towns has provided an offensive boost at center not seen at Madison Square Garden since the days of Patrick Ewing. But Anunoby has become a consistent offensive weapon while also tasked with defending everyone.

“I will protect everyone,” Anunoby said after Monday morning’s shootout, preparing to face Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray or Michael Porter Jr. “I don’t mind. Whatever helps the team win. I’m sure there will be points tonight where I can keep up with Jokic, Murray or Michael. So it just depends.”

You might be wondering how a 6-8 forward handles Jokic, who is conservatively listed by the NBA at 6-11 and 284 pounds?

“Just try to make him uncomfortable,” Anunoby said. “And he’s a great player, so he’s usually never uncomfortable. But just try my best.”

Towns was listed as questionable for Monday’s game with a bruised left calf that could allow further defensive action. And like Anunoby, Sims knew it was a tall order.

“I mean, he has a different game,” Sims said. “He’s a little more clumsy. I don’t think I grew up playing against people like that that much. Such a talented player that he doesn’t have to be particularly athletic, he just knows what he’s doing on the pitch.

“He’s very stocky, so when he gets the ball deep it’s difficult to get him out of the way.”

Defending guys like Jokic is something Anunoby has been asked to do throughout his career, but this season he has left the centers – including Joel Embiid earlier this month – to Towns and Sims.

But while defense may be his calling card, offense has become a constant for Anunoby.

“Yeah, overall,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. “I want him to be decisive. When he plays like that, it’s much more effective for all of us. When he hits with determination, when he catches and is ready and poised and starts shooting, he gets into a good rhythm. And when he runs across the floor, when he runs across the floor and gets into space, or when he runs to the edge and catches a little catch, those are easy buckets.

“I want him to continue to build on that. I think we did a lot of great things on offense all year long. Tonight wasn’t one of our better nights offensively, but I think the guys are working together to make good shots and I think that’s important.”

“Every game I just get better,” Anunoby said. “I’m sure things will continue to get better. Simply comfortable. Just be ready to shoot and don’t refuse shots to hunt more.

“It’s definitely more open (to possibilities). And cutting helps the entire team. Even if I don’t get a chance, someone else will be spared a cut because KAT is out there.”

Notes and quotes: While he was ruled out again on Monday, Precious Achiuwa is expected to be cleared to train on this trip. Thibodeau said he would need a handful of practices before getting into a game.

Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, as well as nearly every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.