New York Knicks win NBA Finals as OG Anunoby predicts UK basketball boom
London-born forward OG Anunoby believes basketball will experience rapid growth in the United Kingdom following his starring role in the New York Knicks’ historic 2026 NBA Championship victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
The Knicks secured their first finals triumph since 1973 by wrapping up a 4-1 series win in Texas.
However, it was the former Toronto Raptors star who provided the defining moment of the best-of-seven series during a dramatic game four at Madison Square Garden.
With just 1.2 seconds remaining and New York trailing by a single point, Anunoby tipped in a missed Jalen Brunson three-pointer to steal a miraculous victory.
A defining moment in British basketball history
That stunning rebound propelled the British standout into elite company alongside iconic clutch plays from legends like Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.
The viral game-winner sparked wild celebrations among the celebrity-filled front row and pushed the storied franchise to the brink of basketball immortality.
“Game four is probably the top of British basketball history,” said London-born Anunoby, now a two-time NBA winner.
“Amazing for Britain and the UK and everyone who loves basketball in the UK.”
Stepping out of the shadows
Unlike his 2019 title success in Canada, where injury sidelined him for the entire post-season, Anunoby was instrumental to this year’s championship run.
The defensive specialist started 84 matches this season and ranked second across the entire squad in play-off points, assists, blocks, and steals per game.
While talismanic point guard Brunson claimed the Finals MVP award, his British team-mate has firmly cemented his status as a vital franchise cornerstone.
A golden era for UK-based talent
The 2026 campaign featured a record-breaking contingent of players from the United Kingdom making their mark on the premier basketball league.
Anunoby shared the court with fellow Knicks forward Jeremy Sochan, who holds deep allegiance to the UK despite representing Poland internationally.
Amari Williams and Tosan Evbuomwan also featured during a landmark season that promises to inspire a new generation of British prospects.
