OG Anunoby is still enjoying the rewards of a championship run that turned him into a New York hero, and on Sunday, the city handed him another stage to enjoy it.
The Knicks forward threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Citi Field on Sunday, ahead of the New York Mets’ game in Queens. It was the latest slice of hometown recognition since New York closed out the San Antonio Spurs for a first NBA title in over half a century.
But before he stepped onto the mound, the Mets had something waiting on the big screen. Even the famously reserved Anunoby could not keep his emotion from showing.
OG Anunoby couldn’t hide a smile at his iconic Game 4 moment
The Knicks are the talk of New York, and Anunoby is one of the names fans keep circling back to. His Game 4 heroics might have been what turned the series the way of the Knicks.
As he readied himself to throw, the Citi Field scoreboard played back his defining contribution from Game 4 — the late tip-in that capped a 29-point comeback over the Spurs, the largest in Finals history.
Anunoby, who rarely gives much away on the court, broke into a grin.
It was a human moment from a player who sometimes comes across as more machine than man. And that’s meant as a compliment, by the way.
The night itself did not go to plan for the hosts. Philadelphia edged the Mets 5-4, scoring twice in the seventh to overturn a one-run deficit after New York had fought back in front.
Kyle Schwarber’s home run ended up being decisive, sending the Phillies home with the win and leaving Anunoby’s first pitch as the feel-good moment of the afternoon from a New York perspective.
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