The New York Knicks just snagged the 2026 NBA title, ending a serious drought that stretched back to 1973, but if you’re looking at the early odds for 2027, you’d think they never even won the dang thing. FanDuel Sportsbook is already listing the Oklahoma City Thunder (+230) and the San Antonio Spurs (+280) with better odds to win it all next season than the Knicks (+900), even after New York stomped the Spurs in five games in the 2026 NBA Finals. Pundits are already shouting from the rooftops that the Philadelphia 76ers are the new title favorites after picking up star guard Jaylen Brown and legendary forward LeBron James this summer. Talk about a busy offseason!
OG Anunoby’s Mellow Vibe Masks a Finals Beast
Here’s the kicker, though: for Knicks’ defensive ace OG Anunoby, all those hot takes and predictions? They mean absolutely nothing. When Bleacher Report asked him about it, his response was classic OG, straight to the point: “Oh, it really doesn’t matter. When the games start, even the regular season, playoffs, just like right now, anyone can say anything, and it doesn’t really matter. Just because they say it doesn’t mean it’s true or not true. Nothing really matters right now.” That’s the mellow, mild-mannered swingman for you, but don’t let the calm exterior fool you. His impact on New York’s championship run can’t be overstated. The 29-year-old brought his absolute best when it mattered most, cranking up his scoring average from 16.7 points per game in the regular season to a monster 21.2 ppg in the NBA Finals! He shot an incredible 52.5 percent from the field and a blistering 50.0 percent from three-point range. And who could forget that unbelievable 29-point comeback victory in Game 4? Anunoby capped it all off with the game-winning tip-in, snagging an ESPY Award and etching his name into NBA Finals history.
A Two-Time Champion’s Blueprint For What’s Next
What’s wild is Anunoby is the only guy on the Knicks roster who’s a two-time champion, having already won a title in his second NBA season back in 2019 with the Toronto Raptors. That win actually kicked off a ridiculous run of eight straight years with a different NBA champion. So, what’s his secret to avoiding that same fate with New York? Anunoby kept it simple: “Just focusing on growth and getting better each game and not really worrying about anyone else. Just focusing on ourselves, trying to improve and be our best, not worrying about any outside distractions.” You gotta love that focus! Despite the outside noise, the good vibes from the championship win are still going strong. Anunoby said he and his teammates are embracing all the love, saying, “It’s been amazing, all the fan support all over the country, all over the world, it’s really amazing and special to see. And I think even my teammates will agree with me. We’re very appreciative of it. We love our fans.”
If you’re in New York City, you can catch Anunoby on Tuesday afternoon. He’s partnering with Essentia Water for a “Supercharged Court takeover” in Times Square, kicking off at 1 p.m. ET. He’ll be on the court with the iconic Gersh Park Streetball team, recreating that unforgettable Game 4 tip-in. Fans will even get to run through an interactive arena tunnel and check out other court activations. Anunoby himself said, “I’ve always been a fan of Essentia on and off the court. I’ve always loved the water. So loving it made it easy to want to partner with them. And then also, we just have the same vision, the same motto, ‘Change the equation.’ And the event will be really fun for all the fans. I think it’ll just be a special time in Times Square.” Sounds like a blast for fans still riding the championship high, and a perfect way to keep that “focus on ourselves” energy rolling before the season gets underway.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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