OG Anunoby is making progress in his recovery, and the New York Knicks are getting cautiously optimistic as they prepare for the Eastern Conference finals. The veteran forward took part in "some parts" of practice Wednesday, though he did not join the team scrimmage as he works back from a right hamstring strain.
Head coach Mike Brown offered an encouraging update: "The stuff that he went through, he looked fine." Anunoby focused on shooting and individual drills, according to the team, but it remains unclear if the 6-7 wing has resumed full sprinting. His status for Game 1 of the conference finals is still up in the air, though ESPN reported Wednesday that there's hope he'll be available.
Wednesday marked exactly one week since Anunoby tweaked his hamstring in the fourth quarter of the Knicks' Game 2 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. He was listed as questionable for Games 3 and 4 but ultimately sat out both as New York completed a second-round sweep. The extra rest could prove valuable—the Eastern Conference finals won't start until either Sunday or Tuesday, depending on how the Detroit Pistons-Cleveland Cavaliers series shakes out. That means Anunoby could get nearly two weeks of recovery time.
"Any time anybody's able to do stuff [in practice], you get encouraged," Brown said, noting the team will not practice Thursday. "They have not told me what he can do [on Friday], so I don't know what he'll be able to do for Game 1."
Anunoby has been a key contributor this postseason, averaging 21.4 points per game (second on the team) with 7.5 rebounds (third). He's shooting an impressive 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from beyond the arc while handling tough defensive assignments. However, the 28-year-old has a history of leg issues, including a left hamstring injury that sidelined him for nine games early in the regular season.
Without Anunoby, the Knicks received a boost from role players Miles "Deuce" McBride (25 points, 7-of-9 on threes in Game 4) and Landry Shamet (13.5 points per game, 6-of-9 from deep in Games 3 and 4). As the team balances rest and preparation, all eyes remain on Anunoby's recovery and whether he'll be ready to step back onto the court when the conference finals tip off.