OG Anunoby Brings Knicks Championship Moment to Skechers

OG Anunoby's decisive basket in the 2026 NBA Finals has inspired a new basketball shoe as Skechers introduces the SKX Nexus NYC Blue in New York City. The New York Knicks forward wore the blue-and-orange design during Game 4, when his last-second tip-in helped secure a championship run that ended the franchise's 53-year title drought.

The sneaker debuted at Extra Butter on Manhattan's Lower East Side, connecting Anunoby's defining playoff moment with the footwear brand he represents. According to Esquire, the limited release is available at Extra Butter's New York City location through the end of October, with broader online and Skechers store availability planned later in the year. The company also intends to release Anunoby's first signature shoe.

Anunoby's championship contribution extended beyond the famous basket. The Ringer's 2026 preseason analysis reported that he made three more three-pointers during New York's latest postseason than he did in its 2025 playoff run, despite attempting 31 fewer shots. His 72.1 percent true shooting percentage led all players, while his efficiency rating in late-clock situations reached 133.8.

A separate feature in VMAN reported that Anunoby shot 49 percent from three-point range throughout the Knicks' championship run. The publication described Game 4 as the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history, noting that New York had trailed by 29 points with less than half the game remaining before mounting its recovery.

Anunoby described the significance of the signature moment while discussing the sneaker with Esquire.

"As a player, you do stuff in the game all the time," Anunoby said. "You never know what moment might connect with fans more than others, or which of your many decisions on the court will be viewed as the moment that wins your team the game."

He also acknowledged the personal connection between the play and the shoes he wore that night.

"But it's very cool," Anunoby said. "It's a special moment, even more special because I was wearing Sketchers."

Asked about his footwear preferences, the 29-year-old pointed to the balance of performance and comfort as the main reasons he enjoys working with Skechers.

"Performance-wise, it's just amazing. I like the style. The appearance of the shoe.

I like the comfort. It's just strong, stable, but lightweight. It allows me to do what I need to do on the court.

Then, just working with Skechers, they're amazing people. It's a tight group and very family oriented. So, on and off the court, I love it," Anunoby said.

The company's basketball division launched in 2023, and its roster of NBA athletes has included Joel Embiid, Julius Randle and Isaiah Hartenstein. Anunoby's championship success has given the brand a prominent moment in its effort to establish itself in performance basketball footwear.

Despite the attention surrounding his Finals basket, Anunoby said the move was not something he rehearsed specifically.

"No. [Laughs]. It's not something you practice," Anunoby said when asked whether the tip-in had become a signature move.

His focus remains on returning to the top of the league with New York. The forward emphasized the importance of improving throughout the long season rather than treating the championship as the end of the team's ambitions.

"Just trying to win a championship again. Continue to improve, keep winning—that's the main thing. It's a long season, so there will be a lot of ups and downs and trial and error.

But that's what's fun about it. Hopefully, we'll peak by the playoffs and get to go on a run again," Anunoby said.

He also explained that the Knicks are primarily concerned with meeting their own expectations after their title-winning campaign.

"I think every team feels that way. Especially after the offseason, every team comes in excited, feeling like there's something to prove. We just want to take it game by game. Not really prove anything to anyone else but ourselves," Anunoby said.

VMAN's profile highlighted the calm demeanor behind his postseason performances. After the decisive Game 4 play, Anunoby had offered a restrained assessment of the victory.

"It feels cool. I mean, everyone's pretty excited. I'm excited too," Anunoby said after the game.

Reflecting on the championship during an interview with VMAN, he maintained his understated approach to the achievement.

"It was nice. It feels great to win. I was happy," Anunoby said.

When pressed on whether the experience was more exciting than his initial description suggested, he responded with a smile.

"It was great! No one believes me, I know it. You don't believe me. I promise I care," Anunoby said.

He added that the experience had been enjoyable, too.

"It was really fun too. It's better than losing," Anunoby said.

Teammate Tyler Kolek described the composure behind Anunoby's decisive play.

"He's never too high, never too low. As you can see in that famous tip," Kolek said.

Kolek also recounted the sequence that produced the basket.

"Jalen [Brunson] shot, missed it. [Anunoby] didn't put his head down. He crashed the glass, tipped it in, and the rest is history," Kolek said.

Another teammate, Josh Hart, pointed to Anunoby's comfort in high-pressure situations as a defining quality.

"OG is such a dynamic player. He's always comfortable in those big moments and finds a way to come through when we need him. He's aggressive, physical, and locked in. He's able to turn that switch on when he needs to," Hart said.

Hart also described how Anunoby's personality remains consistent away from competition.

"Off the court, he might be even more comfortable. The guy you see in the media is the same guy we see in the locker room—just an all-around great guy," Hart said.

Anunoby's growing profile has also extended beyond basketball. Yahoo reported that he appeared alongside Ben Stiller in a promotional video for Focker-in-Law, scheduled for release on November 25. During the segment, Anunoby named Anne Hathaway as his favorite actor and Will Ferrell as his favorite male actor.

With the NYC Blue release, Skechers is turning a defining moment of New York's championship season into a product for fans, while preparing to expand Anunoby's footwear line with his first signature model.