New York (AFP) – The New York Knicks defeated their guest, the Minnesota Timberwolves, leaders of the Western Conference, 112-106, on Monday, in the first match of 2024 in the American Professional Basketball League, in a match in which their new British player, OG Anunoby, shone.
Published on: 01/02/2024 – 07:53 Last updated: 01/02/2024 – 07:51
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Anunoby (26 years old), who transferred from the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, helped his team achieve its 18th victory by scoring 17 points and 6 rebounds, while his teammate Julius Randle was the best scorer in the match (39 points and 9 rebounds).
On the other hand, the Timberwolves suffered their eighth loss, bringing them close to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have 22 wins to 24.
The London-born Briton, who won the league title with the Raptors in 2019 and had the highest number of steals (Steele) last season (128), seemed to have adapted quickly to his new team after spending more than six seasons with his former club.
Anunoby said, “Even during the match they (my teammates) were telling me, ‘Go here, do this.’ They were helping me of course, a lot of them, and I am grateful for that.”
He added, “Everything has changed. New terminology. I’m trying to discover everything as much as I can.”
He added, “Every day I will become better at everything. I will learn how to play, the terminology and the steps. I will learn every day.”
Anunoby’s strong performance, who arrived at the hotel and began training on Sunday, impressed coach Tom Thibodeau, who said, “I think (the performance) on the first day was impressive, just because he was ready and understood how things happen quickly.”
He added, “He played smartly and well with his teammates. He played well defensively. He fought and moved without the ball. He had good shots and played a good game, so it’s a very good start.”
Thibodeau did his best to keep things simple for his new player, who is averaging 11.8 points, 1.6 assists and 1.2 steals (Steel) per game.
The coach added, “You don’t want him to overthink things. Just give him a simple form of play and we can add to that day after day. If you get lost, just play.”
The Milwaukee Bucks lost the opportunity to approach the Boston Celtics, leaders of the Western Conference, after falling at home to the Indiana Pacers 113-122.
This is the ninth loss for the team that was hoping to reach 25 victories, compared to 26 for the leaders, while the visitors achieved their 18th victory in sixth place.
In other matches, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 124-121, and the Denver Nuggets defeated the Charlotte Hornets 111-93.
© 2024 AFP
2024-01-02 06:53:05
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