The New York Knicks are one win away from an NBA championship, and the conversation around Finals MVP is already getting heated. After Wednesday’s 107-106 nail-biter in Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs, all eyes turned to OG Anunoby — and not just for his game-saving play.
Paul Pierce, never one to hold back, went on an expletive-filled monologue on the latest episode of No Fouls Given that made one thing crystal clear: he believes Anunoby is the series’ Most Valuable Player, no debate needed.
“I’m not giving OG Anunoby no god damn flowers, I’m giving him the finals MVP,” Pierce said, barely pausing for breath. “Take that home, OG. I’m telling you. Take home the Finals MVP. He’s been dominant.”
The ClutchPoints clip of Pierce’s rant quickly went viral, capturing a sentiment that had been building for days. While Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle have drawn headlines all postseason, Anunoby’s steady two-way brilliance has become the defining story of these Finals.
A Game 4 Performance for the Ages
Anunoby posted 33 points on 66.6% shooting, knocked down 77.7% of his threes, and added four rebounds, a steal, and a block. But the final minute told the real story. With the Spurs threatening to take a three-point lead, Anunoby swatted De’Aaron Fox’s layup attempt. Then, on the other end, he tipped in Brunson’s missed three-pointer — the eventual game-winner.
He was in the right place at the right time, except that placement wasn’t luck. It was instincts honed over a career spent guarding the league’s best players and quietly filling every gap his team needed.
The Full Series Numbers Are Staggering
Through four Finals games, Anunoby is averaging 23.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks. His shooting splits — 58.0% from the field and 55.6% from deep — are borderline absurd for a player facing the league’s third-ranked defense.
Pierce’s outburst wasn’t just about one game. It was a recognition that Anunoby has been the most consistent force on the floor since Game 1. While the Spurs have tried multiple defensive schemes to slow him down, nothing has worked.
The Knicks now hold a 3-1 series lead and can clinch the title in Game 5. If they do, the Finals MVP vote might be the easiest ballot the media has filled in years — even if Paul Pierce already cast his.
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