The New York Knicks have captured their first NBA championship in 53 years, and OG Anunoby sealed his place in franchise lore with a spectacular, game-winning tip-in. On The Ringer NBA Show, lifelong fan Ben Stiller was left awestruck, calling the play "one of the most graceful sports moments I've ever seen." On Pardon My Take, Big Cat recounted how he sat on his couch speechless after Anunoby delivered a late block on De'Aaron Fox and followed it with the game-winner, calling the sequence "nuts." Show producer Zac agreed, describing the tip-in as "perfectly timed" and the ultimate heartbreak, while analyst Kirk Goldsberry argued on The Bill Simmons Podcast that the shot was pure "NBA history."
While guard Jalen Brunson took home the official hardware, some analysts think the defensive star was the real MVP. On First Take, Marcus Morris championed Anunoby for Finals MVP, comparing him to Andre Iguodala because "OG's been scoring, defending, making timely shots, getting timely stops." Co-host Stephen A. Smith agreed that the forward is built like a "linebacker that's playing basketball" and noted he was New York's "most efficient offensive player" heading into the closeout game. Meanwhile, Bill Simmons praised Anunoby's self-awareness as the premier 3-and-D piece, quoting him as saying, "I know exactly what I am. I'm over here. I'm gonna play bass."
The celebration also brought out plenty of humor and praise across the sports landscape. On Pardon My Take, guest Jerry O'Connell couldn't resist roasting co-host Hank by bringing up the game-winner, joking, "OG Anunoby, just the tip. Dipping it in." Over on The Pat McAfee Show, Pat McAfee lauded how Anunoby and Brunson "never stopped" and "kept fighting" to seal their postseason destiny. With the championship secured, the league is now left to ponder how any team will match the Knicks' physical blueprint as they look to defend their crown next season.