The New York Knicks have celebrated a triumphant end to a 53-year championship drought, and at the heart of their victory is OG Anunoby, who secured the game-winning shot in the thrilling fourth game of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. This memorable moment unfolded on June 10, 2026, when Anunoby’s tip-in with just over a second left on the clock sealed the Knicks’ championship victory, sending fans into a frenzy.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 29-year-old Knicks guard shared his enthusiasm for the winning shot, as well as his surprising admiration for pop sensation Taylor Swift. Swift had been in attendance at Game 4, donning a T-shirt that read “Stevie Knicks”—a playful nod to the team—matching the outfits of her friends Alana and Este Haim, who sported clever shirts like “Knickelback” and “Knickole Kidman.”
Reflecting on his budding fandom for Swift, Anunoby expressed appreciation for her music, citing “Blank Space” as his favourite track. Interestingly, this revelation aligns with the taste of Swift’s husband, NFL star Travis Kelce, who also counts the same song among his favourites. Anunoby’s admiration, however, is not limited to Swift alone; he conveyed gratitude to all the celebrities and fans who supported the Knicks during their historic playoff run.
Despite the star-studded audience—including Mariska Hargitay, Adam Sandler, and Spike Lee—Anunoby insisted he wasn’t particularly star-struck by any individual attendee. “I appreciate everyone who supports us as a fan,” he remarked, acknowledging the collective energy that kept the team motivated throughout their playoff journey.
In celebration of the championship and to engage with fans, Anunoby has teamed up with Essentia Water for a special event in Times Square. Known as the Essentia Supercharged Court, this immersive basketball takeover invites attendees to relive the excitement of the Knicks’ championship season while participating in fun activities and games.
“I’ve been a fan of Essentia for a long time,” Anunoby explained, highlighting the synergy between his personal preferences and the brand’s message. “This year, we changed the equation by winning the championship,” he added, referencing the motto shared by both him and Essentia.
At the upcoming Times Square event, Anunoby aims to create a memorable experience for fans. He described his excitement about being able to engage with attendees, offering them a chance to enjoy the spirit of basketball alongside him. “It’ll be really fun… just hopefully have an amazing day,” he said in anticipation of the event’s atmosphere.
As a seasoned player who was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2017, Anunoby now stands proud with two championship titles, including this recent one with the Knicks. He candidly addressed the immense satisfaction that comes with achieving success in professional basketball, stating, “Anytime you win, it’s so hard to win. You have to be grateful for it and appreciative of it.”
While Anunoby and his teammates bask in the glory of their recent victory, they are also aware of the work ahead. Looking towards the future, he acknowledged the team’s need to prepare for the upcoming season. “We’re always going to be proud of it— but we have to get ready for the next season,” he said.
The Knicks are set to kick off their 2026-27 NBA regular season against the Philadelphia 76ers, led by the legendary LeBron James, at Madison Square Garden on October 20. As the team gears up for another season, Anunoby’s hopes for repeating their recent success remain high, echoing the resilience and determination that have become hallmarks of his career.