Knicks' Precious Achiuwa fills in valiantly for injured OG Anunoby
Share and Follow

No, Precious Achiuwa is not OG Anunoby. Nobody expects him to replicate what Anunoby contributes to the team.

Precious Achiuwa stepped up bravely to fill in for Anunoby in the starting lineup for the Knicks’ recent victory against the Rockets at Madison Square Garden. This game marked the first time this season that the Knicks played without Anunoby, who is currently dealing with a day-to-day mild foot sprain.

Precious Achiuwa identified himself to The Post, expressing his focus on playing his own game. He emphasized his winning mentality and unique style of play compared to OG Anunoby. Achiuwa highlighted his commitment to showcasing his elite skills and consistency on the court.

Earlier this year, Achiuwa touted himself as an “elite” defender, a claim he supported during Monday’s game with two steals, seven points, and nine rebounds. He logged 34 minutes of playing time, marking the second-highest minutes played for him this season.


Houston Rockets Amen Thompson, left, shoots against New York Knicks' Precious Achiuwa, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.
Houston Rockets Amen Thompson, left, shoots against New York Knicks’ Precious Achiuwa, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. AP

“We’re going through an adjustment, obviously, with OG out, different guys stepping in,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “I thought Precious, his defense helped a lot, just because of the switchability that we have with him. They have a number of guys that have great quickness that can go off the dribble. You have to build your shell, and when we build our shell, we’re pretty good.”


Ariel Hukporti managed to accumulate four fouls in just eight minutes.

“I respect it,” Jalen Brunson said. “He came in there, and he came with great energy. I’m not even trying to be funny. It’s really tough when you don’t know when your number is going to be called and you come and try to impact the game. And he did. Loved his energy, loved what he did. Proud of him.”


Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) goes to the basket in front of New York Knicks center Ariel Hukporti (55) during the first half at Madison Square Garden.
Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) goes to the basket in front of New York Knicks center Ariel Hukporti (55) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Hukporti did not score but recorded a block and two rebounds. He was a team-worst minus-14, though.

“Great energy,” Josh Hart said. “I think that was the biggest thing. Obviously, he’s young, the flow of the game was different than what he’s used to. He gave us great energy, good minutes. He used his fouls — he’s got six of them, and he was making sure he’s going to use them. Nah, great energy for us.”




The Knicks were just as surprised about the stunning three-team blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Mavericks.

“I think everybody was in awe, shocked,” Hart said. “Got to give credit to [Lakers president of basketball operations] Rob Pelinka, man: highway robbery. Good for them.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Former Chicago journalists Becky Schlikerman, Kim Janssen take legal action, lost Altadena home in Southern California wildfires

Chicago journalists Becky Schlikerman and Kim Janssen sue after losing their Altadena home in Southern California wildfires

CHICAGO (WLS) — It has been six months since the deadly Eaton…
My sister is trying to kill my 98-year-old mother

My sister is attempting to cause harm to our 98-year-old mother

DEAR ABBY: I am currently residing five hours away from my hometown…
Investigators believe they spotted Travis Decker hiking in Washington. Here’s what to know

Investigation Launched into New Sighting of Travis Decker Following Family Tip

() Travis Decker, who has been on the run for over a…
Teddi Mellencamp's new lover finally named amid her cancer battle

Teddi Mellencamp reveals the identity of her new partner during her fight against cancer

Teddi Mellencamp’s new romance is blossoming as she bravely battles stage four…
Texas flood search sensitive because many victims are kids

Search for Texas flood victims in a sensitive manner due to the high number of children affected

() Volunteers are braving the heat to find more victims still unaccounted…
Elon Musk's AI chatbot seems to get right-wing update

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot receives an update with a right-wing perspective.

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, recently got an update, Musk announced Friday…
Netanyahu presents Trump with letter nominating him for Nobel Peace Prize

Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize with a letter

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday presented President Trump with a…
Historic LA restaurant to shutter after 117 years

Iconic Los Angeles eatery closing doors after over a century

Cole’s French Dip, one of the original purveyors of the French dip…