OG Anunoby’s iconic tip-in named ESPY’s ‘Best Play’ of the year

OG Anunoby’s clutch tip-in for the New York Knicks has been crowned ESPN’s **Best Play of the Year** at the 2025 ESPY Awards.

The play sealed a 98-95 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on 18 June, sending the Knicks to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014.

What happened?

Anunoby chased down a loose ball near the baseline, gathered it in mid-air, and banked in a left-handed tip with 0.8 seconds left. The basket gave the Knicks a one-point lead they never relinquished.

ESPN’s panel of analysts and former players voted the play the top moment of the 2024-25 season. The clip has racked up over 12 million views on social media since the Finals.

Why it matters for OG Anunoby

The award underscores Anunoby’s reputation as one of the league’s most dependable wings in high-leverage moments. At 6’7”, he’s become the Knicks’ go-to perimeter stopper and late-game closer.

His defensive rating jumped to 102.1 in the playoffs, while he averaged 14.2 points on 48% shooting. The tip-in capped a run that saw him log 22 points, six rebounds, and three steals in the deciding game.

What comes next?

Anunoby is now a free agent after the Knicks declined his $30 million option for 2025-26. Teams will weigh his playoff heroics against his injury history and expiring contract.

The Knicks face the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals starting 4 August. If New York wins, Anunoby could add a championship to his résumé-something no British-born player has ever claimed.