OG Anunoby and the New York Knicks pulled off a historic 29-point comeback against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals. Trailing in the closing seconds, Anunoby blocked a Spurs layup, grabbed the game-winning putback tip-in, and secured a 107-106 victory to take a 3-1 series lead.
OG Anunoby (Ogugua Anunoby Jr.) Born in London to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent, Anunoby relocated with his family to Jefferson City, Missouri, where his father worked as a professor. His brother, Chigbo, previously played in the NFL. Anunoby committed to play college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers, spending two seasons there. He quickly caught the attention of scouts for his length, athleticism, and defensive prowess, though his sophomore season was cut short by a torn ACL. He is a British professional basketball player who plays as a forward for the New York Knicks in the NBA. He moved to the United States at age four. Known for his exceptional defensive versatility, he has won multiple championships and earned NBA All-Defensive honors.
NBA Career
- Toronto Raptors (2017–2023): Drafted 23rd overall, Anunoby quickly established himself as an elite, versatile “3-and-D” wing capable of guarding almost any position on the court. He was part of the Raptors’ championship team in 2019, though he missed the Finals due to an appendectomy. He later led the league in steals during the 2022–23 season, earning NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors.
- New York Knicks (2023–Present): Anunoby was traded to the Knicks and immediately provided a massive two-way impact, becoming a cornerstone piece for the roster’s playoff runs and committing to a long-term contract extension.
Early life
Ogugua Anunoby was born in Harlesden, London, England,[3] on 17 July 1997, to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent.[4][5] His father, Ogugua Sr.,[6] taught as a professor at Oxford Brookes University.[4][7] His mother, Grace Ndidi Okereke,[6] was a track and field athlete who competed at a national level for Nigeria and died of cancer when Anunoby was one year old.[8] At age four, Anunoby moved with his family to the US and settled in Jefferson City, Missouri,[5] where his father was a professor of finance at Lincoln University.[8] His older brother, Chigbo, played in the National Football League for the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Minnesota Vikings.[3] Anunoby played football when he was young, but stopped around the age of eight to focus on basketball because of his height.[7]
Anunoby played for Jefferson City High School.[9] During his senior season, he averaged 19.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and was named a finalist for Mr Basketball in the state of Missouri.[10] In October 2014, Anunoby chose to attend Indiana University[11] over Georgia, Iowa, George Mason, and Ole Miss.
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