The Knicks’ injury woes present a unique chance for Precious Achiuwa to make his mark in the playoffs and potentially etch his name in Knicks postseason lore.
Achiuwa’s journey with the Knicks has been unexpected. Initially acquired as part of the OG Anunoby trade, he found himself out of the rotation by the end of the Sixers series. However, injuries have thrust him into a pivotal role for the team’s playoff aspirations.
In Game 2, Achiuwa saw a significant uptick in minutes compared to previous outings, showcasing improved performance with increased playing time. While injuries forced this adjustment, it presents Achiuwa with an opportunity to demonstrate his readiness for such responsibility.
Precious Achiuwa brought much-needed energy off the bench in the Knicks Game 2 win.
In a six-point game with one minute left, he stops the Pacers' transition offense with the offensive rebound on Turner.
Rose deserves a lot of credit for adding him to that OG Anunoby trade. pic.twitter.com/CjUJOxeuug
— Ersin Demir (@EDemirNBA) May 9, 2024
The sustainability of Achiuwa’s performance is a key consideration. Injuries to key players have necessitated Achiuwa’s involvement, potentially extending to a starting role in the absence of Anunoby. His ability to contribute effectively, particularly in lineup versatility, adds value to the team’s dynamics.
Achiuwa’s impact extends beyond traditional statistics, with his high energy and athleticism proving influential on both ends of the court. While single-game +/- may not fully capture his impact, his dynamic presence alters the game’s dynamics, especially in rebounding and transition offense.
Precious Achiuwa is ferocious in attacking the rim 😤
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👉https://t.co/bqmxfDHpTb#NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/vmA8AxG9yJ
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) May 9, 2024
Offensively, Achiuwa’s focus on rim-running complements the team’s needs, providing a reliable scoring option around the basket. His transition offense adds another dimension to the Knicks’ fast-paced game, complementing established contributors like Josh Hart.
While it may be premature to label Achiuwa as a Knicks legend, he has the potential to emerge as an unsung hero in the team’s playoff journey. Despite facing significant adversity with injuries, Achiuwa, along with Deuce McBride, embraces the challenge and aims to make a meaningful contribution to the team’s success.
