OG Anunoby is turning a corner in his recovery. He participated in practice on Wednesday for the first time since injuring his right hamstring during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the 76ers.
Anunoby’s practice was limited, and coach Mike Brown wasn’t ready to confirm his availability for Game 1 of the conference finals. However, optimism is growing within the organization. Sources tell The Post’s Stefan Bondy that they believe he’ll be ready for the start of the series.
“Anytime he can do something, it’s encouraging,” Brown said. “He looked fine out there, but I’ll wait until Friday to see how he progresses.” When pressed on whether Anunoby could sprint, Brown said it was best not to speculate.
“I’m taking it one day at a time,” Brown added. “I don’t want to raise my hopes too high.” Anunoby missed two crucial games in the previous round and was listed as questionable.
Before his injury, Anunoby was having an impressive postseason, averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and shooting an outstanding 53.8% from three-point range. His defensive skills also played a significant role, with an average of 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.
The Knicks practiced with full contact on Wednesday, touching on both strategy and chemistry. While they will not practice on Thursday, they have sessions planned for Friday and Saturday. The start of the Eastern Conference finals will depend on the outcome of the Cavaliers-Pacers series, which could kick off either Sunday or Tuesday.
On a somber note, Mike Brown shared his condolences for the late Jason Collins, who passed away after battling brain cancer at just 47. Brown spoke fondly of Collins, reflecting on the difficult time for his family and friends.
This playoff season has emphasized how crucial health is for teams. The pressure is mounting as teams aim for success, making injuries like Anunoby’s a critical factor in their championship aspirations.
As spring unfolds, sports fans are especially vocal on social media. Many are abuzz about Anunoby’s potential return, with trending hashtags reflecting hope and anticipation among Knicks supporters. The team’s journey continues to captivate audiences, making every detail count.
For more on player health and its impact on performance, you can check [this research](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6416062/) that explores the correlation between injury recovery and team success in the NBA.
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