The Knicks didn’t have to lean on Jalen Brunson because the star version of OG Anunoby resumed Sunday.
Anunoby dropped 32 points on ridiculous efficiency — 13-of-17 shooting from the field — continuing the best stretch of his career in a 112-98 win over the Suns.
He’s scored at least 20 points in 10 straight games for the first time.
“I don’t think I’m in a zone,” Anunoby said. “I think I’m always capable.”
There were questions as to whether Anunoby would take a step back with Brunson returning from a monthlong injury absence.
It was a natural concern since Brunson is so ball-dominant and Anunoby’s usage rate goes down with the point guard on the court.
Coach Tom Thibodeau pushed back hard at that premise.
“That notion is a bunch of garbage. … He’s all over the floor. That’s how he’s scoring,” Thibodeau said after Saturday’s win in Atlanta. “That’s the way everyone’s scoring. … That’s a bunch of excuse making and that’s the way I see it.”
Anunoby followed with a diverse offensive game, including a 360-degree jam in the final minute. He’s been the Knicks’ best player for a month.
On Sunday, he was tasked with guarding Phoenix’s best player — Devin Booker, who exploded for 40 points — while leading the offense.
“He’s been playing unbelievable these past couple of weeks. All season, but he really stepped up recently and he’s just doing what he does. That’s what we expect of him,” Brunson said. “Everyone knew what he could do defensively. Offensively I think he’s taken a step forward just the way he’s been playing. He’s always had that and I think he’s been showcasing it.”
Brunson wasn’t the only Knick returning from a long absence Sunday.
Miles McBride also played against the Suns after missing eight games because of a groin issue, marking the first time the 24-year-old appeared in more than two weeks.
He scored eight points in 16 minutes off the bench, then explained what was holding up his comeback.
“Obviously if you watch me, I’m explosive on both ends of the ball. I just really wanted to make sure I was comfortable and cutting and being explosive,” McBride said.
McBride played his usual role as the first guard off the bench and as part of the first Knicks team at virtually full strength in over a month.
Mitchell Robinson, who rested during Saturday’s win over the Hawks, Cam Payne, who was listed as probable before Sunday’s tipoff because of a sprained ankle, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been dealing with finger and knee ailments, were also active.
The only injured and inactive Knicks player was rookie Ariel Hukporti, who is done for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
“It was good to have everyone out there again,” Thibodeau said.
With the Knicks on the brink of locking up the third seed (they need a win or a Pacers loss), Thibodeau indicated he won’t change the approach — i.e., start resting players — once the position is clinched.
“We’re not skipping over anything. And this is the approach we’ve taken all season long,” Thibodeau said. “We’re not going to change now, so we think this’ll help prepare us for what’s down the road.”
