OG Anunoby Recalls Iconic Game-Winning Shot From Knicks' Championship Run

The New York Knicks‘ OG Anunoby became an immediate hero in New York City after his game-winning shot helped his team win an improbable game in which they were previously down 29 points.

His shot arrived in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, as Jalen Brunson’s jumpshot missed, and Anunoby flew in to tip the ball in with 1.2 seconds remaining on the game clock.

That play is now an instant highlight that will live on forever in Knicks history, with Anunoby connected to the memorable moment. It was further evidence of how valuable a player he’s been for this team, despite getting less mention that other stars such as Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns.

Anunoby appeared with other members of the Knicks on Monday’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” where Fallon asked him what was going through his mind during that play.

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According to Anunoby, it all came down to how they were taught to play the game, and things they work on regularly, such as going after all rebounds, especially crucial offensive rebounds.

“They tell us to crash. I think we’re all trying to get a rebound if it missed and I was able to get it,” Anunoby explained, even though he admitted he also was hoping Brunson’s late 3-point attempt went in.

“I saw a man flying,” teammate Mikal Bridges added. “I couldn’t believe he had the athleticism to tip the ball in and have control of the ball … It was crazy, a crazy play.”

Anunoby’s tip-in was just part of what won Game 4 for the Knicks. In addition to teammate Jalen Brunson making huge shots and having 36 points, Anunoby was the team’s second-leading scorer with 33 points. He only had four rebounds, with none bigger than the one that led to his late-game-winning shot.

That play appeared to give the Knicks momentum, as they went on to defeat the Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy as champions.

The NBA Playoffs have certainly brought more attention to some of the league’s unsung heroes and perhaps underrated players. After that tip-in, there was immediate talk of Anunoby potentially winning Finals MVP, but that award went to Brunson. Still, OG has become a breakout star during this stellar Knicks’ championship run and could continue to shine in his career.

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This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 7:29 AM.