The Timberwolves had sliced into a once 22-point deficit and were threatening to steal a game the Knicks had owned since the second quarter.

With just under five minutes remaining and Minnesota down six, OG Anunoby stared down Anthony Edwards. Anunoby followed the young T’wolves star around a Karl-Anthony Towns pick, fighting over the top. Edwards danced his way into the lane, but the quick Anunoby stuck with him. Edwards faked and pivoted, trying to create distance that he never found. Anunoby, who practically has wings for arms, clearly bothered Edwards with his length.

Wanting out, Edwards flipped a pass that Jalen Brunson intercepted, and the point guard dished in transition to Julius Randle for a running layup. The bucket did not quite end the Timberwolves’ run, but the Knicks’ lead did not fall below five points the rest of the way.

That is the kind of quiet impact Anunoby can have on a game. Traditional statistics might not best capture his effect, but the Knicks believe the long, active, strong and sweet-shooting small forward will help the team win.