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TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 30: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks speaks at a press conference during media day at Knicks Training Facility on September 30, 2024 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)

The Knicks are still trying to keep full control of this series, but OG Anunoby’s hamstring injury has changed more than one spot in the rotation. It has forced New York to adjust fast, and that kind of playoff shift can reveal something useful.

Anunoby’s absence is still a real concern because of what he means on both ends. But while the Knicks wait for him to get right, one bench piece has stepped into the light and made the most of it.

Landry Shamet Is Making The Most Of OG Anunoby’s Injury Absence

GettyShamet’s Hot Hand Could Be the Series Closer

Anunoby suffered a right hamstring strain late in Game 2 against Philadelphia and missed the final 2:30. He then missed Games 3 and 4 while remaining day-to-day. That is a huge loss for a Knicks team that had been getting 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game from him in the 2026 playoffs.

Still, the opening has clearly helped Landry Shamet. Even with Miles McBride stepping into the starting group, Shamet has been one of the biggest minute winners. ESPN put it simply, “Shamet was the next man up.”

And he has made full use of that chance. In Game 1 against the 76ers, Shamet had 3 points, 2 assists and 1 steal in 12 minutes. In Game 2, he went scoreless in 8 minutes. Then came the breakout in Game 3, 15 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal in 26 minutes while shooting 5-of-6 from the floor and 2-of-3 from deep. Before that, he also had 5 points in 15 minutes in Game 6 against Atlanta.

In the recent Game 4 against the 76ers, he also looked sharp early and scored 6 points in the first half, another sign that he is settling into this bigger role.

That is what makes this stretch encouraging for Knicks fans. Shamet has not just filled space, he has brought calm shooting and instant offense. Mike Brown’s message fits him perfectly: “your number can be called any time, so be ready.”

What OG Anunoby’s Return Could Mean For Landry Shamet

When Anunoby comes back, the Knicks will obviously give major minutes back to one of their best two-way players. That part is not up for debate. Before the injury, Anunoby was playing at a level that is incredibly hard to replace, and the team is better when he is out there.

But this is where Shamet has helped himself. My view is that he should still get meaningful minutes even after Anunoby returns. His regular-season line, 9.3 points in 23.0 minutes over 51 games while shooting 39.2% from three, shows this is not some random hot streak.

Anunoby’s health still matters most for how far this team can go. But if there is one silver lining here, it is that the Knicks may have found a bench shooter they can lean on when the pressure rises.