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The Toronto Raptors welcomed back OG Anunoby to their active roster on Thursday night after he suffered a finger injury. It's great news for the team, who are starting to get their important players back in time for the playoffs. However, it seems like Anunoby isn't completely 100% yet.
After a stunning win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Anunoby admitted that his finger still hurt at times. This is a bit concerning for the Raptors, who rely on OG for his incredible hands on defense and sweet shooting. (via Josh Lewenberg)
OG said the finger is improving but still feels it when he's "shooting, dribbling, catching, (playing) defence, trying to get a steal, rebounding."
"I feel it all the time"
With season winding down, he made the decision to play through it, wants to get in rhythm before playoffs
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) March 25, 2022
The Raptors forward also said that his finger was already hurting even before he was ruled out almost a month ago.
Anunoby said he isn't sure when he hurt his finger but it's been causing him pain for a while. "It was just getting worse and worse."
How much did it impact his game pre all-star break, before they caught the fracture?
"I mean, it was broken, so it definitely affected me."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) March 25, 2022
The Raptors have seen steady improvements from Anunoby over the years. He's developed from a strictly three-and-D guy to a capable creator on offense and disruptive playmaker on defense. He has been one of the best isolation defenders in the league, and losing him was a big blow to Nick Nurse.
Fortunately, other players on the team stepped up in Anunoby's absence. After a rough start to the season, Chris Boucher has settled into his role as a energizer off the bench. Precious Achiuwa has also displayed immense growth in terms of decision-making. And of course, Pascal Siakam continues his All-NBA campaign with dazzling performance after dazzling performance for the Raptors.
Thaddeus Young's presence has also helped stabilize the bench depth that has been the issue for the Raptors. As a result, the team has been playing well over the last few games. Their win over the Cavaliers secured them a spot in the play-in tournament at the very least. However, they must overtake the Cavs to avoid the tournament altogether.
The Raptors were already a team no top-seed wanted to face in the first round of the playoffs. With OG Anunoby looking to ramp back up to form, they are poised to be an even greater threat. Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Scottie Barnes is a dangerous two-way core, and flanked by guys like Anunoby and Achiuwa, they can be a nuisance. They likely won't make a deep run, but a few playoff series should do wonders for their young guy's development moving forward.
