NEW ORLEANS — Before the Knicks’ annihilation of the Timberwolves began, Julius Randle was rage scoring.
He was picking apart Precious Achiuwa, scoring 15 points in the opening quarter as New York trailed by as many as seven.
It was clear Randle, angry and motivated to beat his former team, was going to force the issue. The Timberwolves were going to win or lose with him.
So Tom Thibodeau switched his defensive equalizer on Randle, forging Thursday’s 133-107 blowout Knicks victory.
When Achiuwa was the primary defender, Randle shot 5-for-7 with two assists and zero turnovers.
When OG Anunoby was the primary defender, Randle shot 1-for-6 with one assist, two turnovers and was frustratingly locked up.
“No matter who OG’s on, I know OG puts a lot of guys in jail,” Josh Hart said. “He’s someone we’re good with putting him on the island with whoever — big or small — and he’s going to change shots.
“I don’t understand how he does half of it. Sometimes when he guards like [76ers point guard] Tyrese Maxey, and he’s able to influence shots and stay in front of him, knowing Tyrese is fast as hell and OG’s not. … Then you put him on guys like Julius who is a big physical guy, plays in the post, and he’s able to hold his own. So he’s a monster to a defense all by himself and he should be a First Team or Second Team All-Defense, for sure. We’re comfortable with that matchup against him and anybody.”
Up until a few weeks ago, Anunoby had been getting more opportunities with the ball and carried the two-way numbers of a potential All-Star candidate.
Offensively, the highlight was a 40-point explosion in Denver on Nov. 25.
But then his shot hit a dry spell and Mikal Bridges, who is a more dynamic and versatile scorer, started collecting more chances.
There’s only one ball, and it won’t go to Anunoby if his shot isn’t falling.
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He entered Saturday night against the Pelicans averaging just 12.6 points on 38 percent shooting in the past 10 games.
In the opening 17 games of the season, Anunoby averaged 19.1 points on 52.4 percent from the field.
It’s a big difference, but the beauty of Anunoby is his offensive struggles go largely unnoticed because of his defensive impact.
“It’s just who he is,” Bridges said. “Ever since I’ve known OG, he’s just been a menace. I think the steal he had on Julius, when Julius was trying to iso me [when Anunoby lunged in for the steal], I was like, ‘Ohh.’ It took me by surprise.
“So him just staying locked in and doing all the little things. We appreciate it and we need it.”
Anunoby’s traditional defensive numbers aren’t exactly eye-popping, but he entered Saturday leading the Knicks in steals (1.6 per game) and blocks (1.1).
But as the Knicks defense improves, Anunoby should be in line for recognition with his second All-Defense selection, as Hart mentioned.
It’s a rare honor for the Knicks.
The most recent selection for the franchise was Tyson Chandler over a decade ago. Before him? Charles Oakley in 1994.
Anunoby, a man of few outward emotions and words, understands the assignment.
“Just make it as difficult as possible for the other guy,” he said.