Upon learning about how unfriendly the 3-point arc would be to their attempts on December 1, 2024, the New Orleans Pelicans’ approach of attacking the rim instead, theoretically at least, made a ton of sense. That is, until OG Anunoby arrived on a defensive pick-and-roll tag, prepared to freeze New Orleans’ plans with additional bad news in the paint. Successful in helping silence the opposition’s attack on nearly every possession already, Anunoby rotates over, positioning himself for another will-imposing sequence, immediately after recognizing Daniel Theis’ intent at a drive-and-score. Through sound timing, the 2022-23 All-Defensive Teamer elevates, denying entry through a physical rejection that leaves both players floorbound. New York ultimately kept the Pelicans grounded, using postseason-like intensity to hold the evening’s opponents to rough finishes from deep (14.8 percent on 27 attempts) and interior (46.3 percent on 67 attempts), alongside 19 combined steals and blocks. Versatility was Anunoby’s calling card, as he encouraged victory through a seven-point, four-rebound, two-assist, three-steal, four-block blend. · Dec 1, 2024