OG Anunobys return to Knicks lineup didnt go as planned

CLEVELAND — OG Anunoby’s long-awaited return didn’t go so well. The forward, who missed the previous five games with a sprained right foot, scored just five points in 27 minutes and couldn’t help a Knicks defense that was crushed Friday night by the Cavaliers, 142-105. Head coach Tom Thibodeau said he expected a bumpy performance. “It was about what I thought it would be,” the coach said.“There were some good minutes early, and then there’s some rust he’s got to work through, but I thought he had good energy.” In his first comments since last month, Anunoby offered only short answers but alleviated any concerns about a play in the third quarter when he took a spill on the court and held his foot. “Just a misstep,” he said. Anunoby, who was icing his foot after Friday’s loss, labeled his injury “a midfoot sprain” after ESPN called it a “toe injury.” “Felt good to get back,” he said.

“Feeling better and better as the season goes on.” Anunoby, 27, hadn’t played since Feb.1 against the Lakers, when he stepped gingerly to the locker room following a non-contact injury that occurred as LeBron James closed out at the 3-point line.

The Knicks went an impressive 5-1 in his absence, demonstrating something they didn’t last season — success without their top defender. Mitchell Robinson remained out Friday night while recovering from his ankle surgery, and a league source said the center also will miss Sunday’s game in Boston. Robinson hasn’t played since April but returned to full-contact practice this week.While awaiting and banking on Robinson’s return, the Knicks didn’t make a trade for much-needed frontcourt depth at the deadline. Rookie Ariel Hukporti, who played 20 minutes Friday, currently is the backup center. “Just his energy [is what I like].

That’s the biggest thing,” Thibodeau said of the rookie.“There’s always going to be a learning part to what he does. “I’d rather have a guy h...