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3d ago

Mike Brown Says OG Anunoby Was 'Robbed' of All-Defensive First Team

Knicks say voters leaned on blocks and steals instead of valuing the deterrence and switchable versatility Anunoby provides.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell dribbles against New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby.
May 6, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The NBA published its 2025-26 All-Defensive teams on May 22, placing OG Anunoby on the Second Team rather than the First Team.
  • Knicks coach Mike Brown gave an unprompted statement Sunday in Cleveland saying Anunoby “got robbed” and arguing the player should have made the First Team.
  • Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson publicly backed Anunoby after a Game 3 availability, calling the Second-Team placement unjust and highlighting his defensive range.
  • Anunoby said he appreciated the recognition but still believed he merited First Team, noting opponents often avoid him and that this suppresses traditional stats; this is his second All-Defensive Second Team honor.
  • The dispute has sharpened a wider conversation about voting criteria because the teams were selected by a 100-member media panel and came as Victor Wembanyama won unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, underscoring tension between counting stats and impact measures such as deterrence and positional flexibility.