Tom Thibodeau Praises 'Very Serious' OG Anunoby amid Knicks' Win Streak Since Trade

The New York Knicks' OG Anunoby era is off to a flying start.

New York acquired Anunoby just ahead of the New Year, and since joining the lineup he's helped guide the Knicks to a three-game winning streak.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau praised Anunoby's attitude so far and said that his fit has been seamless since his arrival.

"I think we have a good core that's been together for a while now. So I think that can absorb people coming in and then a guy like OG is very serious," Thibodeau said, per Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. "He wants to do well, and I think his mind is open. He plays incredibly hard on every possession, so even if it's not perfect right now, it's still gonna be good."

He continued by saying that his effort has shined and that he believes Anunoby will get increased scoring chances as the team's core continues to mesh.

"Your hustle can make up for a lot," Thibodeau said, per Bondy. "And that's really what he's doing. And each day, he'll get better and better and guys are starting to figure him out, as well. So that takes a little bit of time. But help where you can, hustle, be in passing lanes, get deflections, help out on the boards, play physical, run the floor, move without the ball. Those are things that he does great. And then as time goes on, he'll find more places where he can get scoring opportunities, too."

The Knicks gave up RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to acquire Anunoby and will have to try to lock him up as he is set to hit free agency after the season. Still, in the short term, he's looking like a player who could push New York to the second round and possibly beyond in the postseason.

New York is 20-15 following Friday's blowout win over the Philadelphia 76ers and is currently eighth in the Eastern Conference.