OG Anunoby’s subsequent main defensive activity shall be no simpler than the primary one.
After principally doing a powerful job manning up towards dynamic Detroit level guard Cade Cunningham, Anunoby figures to attract the task of guarding six-time All-Star ahead Jayson Tatum usually within the second spherical towards the Celtics.
Tatum averaged 33.5 factors and shot 47.8 p.c from 3-point vary throughout Boston’s four-game sweep of the Knicks this season, with Tom Thibodeau additionally utilizing Mikal Bridges as the first defender towards him.
“I always have confidence [in OG] no matter who he is guarding,” Jalen Brunson mentioned. “He brings that mindset every game. And so I have confidence regardless of whatever he is doing.”
Cunningham scored 25.0 factors per sport within the first spherical, however the 6-foot-7 Anunoby made issues tough for him and helped restrict him to 42.6 taking pictures and simply 17.9 p.c from deep within the six-game set.
“Cade Cunningham’s a hell of a player, being real. Respect to him and what he’s done, the year he’s had,” Karl-Anthony Cities mentioned. “OG has always stepped up to the challenge of guarding the best player on the other team. OG’s special. It’s another chance to go out here and be against the best.”
Anunoby had a poor offensive displaying towards Boston this 12 months, averaging 9.0 factors on 29.6 p.c taking pictures, together with 2-for-15 from 3-point vary in three video games.
Jalen Brunson’s newest New York billboard is way extra flattering than the one in all him that was put up earlier within the week in Detroit.
Nike put up a billboard on Seventh Avenue outdoors the Backyard of Brunson releasing his series-clinching 3-point shot in Recreation 6 on Thursday night time with the caption studying “For Mayor.”
“Um, it was really cool, but on to the second round, on to the next,” Brunson mentioned when requested Saturday concerning the billboard.
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One other billboard posted in Detroit earlier than that sport learn: “Brunson, you’re a mother flopper,” referring to his penchant for drawing fouls.
Followers at Recreation 6 at Little Caesars Area additionally chanted “flopper” at him.
Boston’s Derrick White on the Celtics’ four-game sweep within the season collection: “Everything we did in the regular season doesn’t really mean a whole lot now. It’s not like we get to start up 1-0 or something like that. Understand, it’s the playoffs. They’re here for a reason. They’re a really good team, and they’re going to be a big challenge.”
Thibodeau mentioned everybody was obtainable for Saturday’s follow session in Tarrytown.
