With their backs against the wall, the New York Knicks will need a Willis Reed-like effort from injured duo Josh Hart and OG Anunoby to have a shot at advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite facing significant injuries, both players are expected to start in Sunday afternoon's Game 7 at Madison Square Garden.
New York, NY - The New York Knicks have their backs against the wall, but they will have a second chance to put away the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.
Playing back on their home court will certainly give the Knicks an energy boost in what has become a grueling series that has left them with brutal injuries to key players.
It's going to take a Willis Reed-like effort for Josh Hart and OG Anunoby to play in Game 7, but they may just do it.
Anunoby has been sidelined with a hamstring strain he suffered in Game 2, while Hart has been dealing with an abdominal strain that kept him on the sidelines for most of Game 6.
In a do-or-die scenario, ESPN reported hours before tipoff on Sunday that both players were expected to make themselves available for the game. Later, it was confirmed that Hart and Anunoby would start the game.
The game will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Jalen Brunson said after Friday's loss to the Pacers that he expected Hart to give it a go.
"It's Game 7," Brunson said.
Anunoby was highly successful guarding Pascal Siakam in the first two games of the series. Siakam, however, had a heroic effort in Game 6, scoring 25 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out five assists to lead the Pacers to a 116-103 win.
With time running out for both teams, Hart and Anunoby will need to step up and put on a Broadway-esque show worthy of a Tony Award rather than just the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
New York has been hampered by injuries throughout the season and into the series. Julius Randle was lost for the year before the playoffs began, and the team then lost Mitchell Robinson to injury.
Brunson also hurt his foot in Game 2 but managed to continue playing.
As Reed famously played in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, all eyes will be on Hart and Anunoby to try and do the same.
The winner of Game 7 will meet the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
