OG Anunoby named Knicks' unsung hero by LeBron James after 2026 NBA title

OG Anunoby earned LeBron James’ highest praise on 22 Jul 2026, calling the New York Knicks forward the team’s unsung hero during their first NBA title in 52 years.

What happened in the 2026 Finals

Anunoby delivered the signature moment of the series on 18 Jun 2026, banking home a game-winning tip-in to cap the Knicks’ legendary Game 4 comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers. The play sealed a 112-108 victory and gave New York a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven Finals.

Why LeBron James singled out OG Anunoby

LeBron James, a four-time Finals MVP, told Tyrese Haliburton on the *Mind the Game* podcast that Anunoby’s all-around impact went under the radar. James pointed to Anunoby’s clutch corner threes and rim finishes whenever the Knicks stalled, plus the iconic tip-in that decided Game 4.

“Every time I felt like the Knicks were either having a time where they couldn’t score or they couldn’t get a stop, that guy made either a three in the corner or got to the hole, and obviously we know the tip-in that he had after that crazy comeback that they had,” James said. “So I thought OG, we got to give OG his props.”

How Anunoby fits the Knicks’ championship puzzle

Anunoby missed early playoff games with an injury, but every time he stepped on the floor he produced. His two-way play and lockdown defense on perimeter stars keyed New York’s cohesive run through the postseason. While Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns rightfully shared the spotlight, Anunoby’s quiet excellence kept the Knicks afloat in tight games.

The forward’s reliability against elite wings also earned James’ respect. “A player like that always gets a star’s respect,” James said, “and James has always respected the Knicks forward.”

What this means for Anunoby’s legacy in New York

For Knicks fans, Anunoby will never be an unsung hero. His championship tip and lockdown defense cemented his place in franchise lore. The 2026 title ends a 52-year title drought and cements Anunoby as a cornerstone of the Knicks’ brightest era in decades.

Jayson Tatum, who faced Anunoby in the Eastern Conference Finals, echoed the praise after the Knicks’ parade. “Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby winning it all for New York feels like a full-circle moment for this team,” Tatum said.