OG Anunoby made an exception to his no-drinking rule after the Knicks won the NBA championship.
The famously reserved forward was smiling as New York's celebration began, according to The Athletic's Fred Katz. When a trainer walked by carrying a large bottle of tequila blanco, Anunoby decided to join in.
His first drink quickly turned into a mess. Anunoby coughed as tequila spilled across his face, then laughed at his own reaction with the people around him. The experience did not stop him from reaching for the bottle again only seconds later.
The second try went about the same way. Anunoby took another drink, began coughing and bent over while laughing. For a player who rarely shows much emotion publicly, the moment captured how different championship night felt.
His teammates were already embracing the celebration. Backup center Ariel Hukporti arrived on the court shortly after the ceremony carrying two large bottles and loudly announced the start of the party.
The Knicks had just ended a 53-year championship drought, giving Anunoby and the rest of the roster a reason to let go. The forward's defense and highly efficient scoring helped New York complete the run, but his awkward tequila attempts became one of the lighter scenes after the trophy presentation.
When the drinks were finished, Anunoby offered a straightforward explanation: he does not drink. Winning a championship was enough for him to briefly reconsider.
Katz's report captured why the moment drew attention. The first drink clearly burned, leaving Anunoby coughing and shouting before he broke into uncontrolled laughter. A trainer watched him hand the bottle back, only for the forward to reach out for another try almost immediately.
Anunoby tipped the bottle again and kept drinking briefly before the same reaction returned. Tequila ran across his face, and he bent over while laughing with the people around him. There was little resemblance to the composed expression he usually carries through interviews and games.
That contrast made the scene memorable. Anunoby rarely reveals much publicly, but the championship celebration removed the usual reserve. For a few minutes, one of New York's quietest players was also one of the most visibly delighted people on the court.
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