OG Anunoby’s Monster Dunk on Derrick White Wiped Out by Controversial Call: NBA Fans Erupt
BOSTON, May 8, 2025 — The TD Garden was electrified during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics when Knicks forward OG Anunoby unleashed a thunderous dunk over Celtics guard Derrick White. With just over six minutes left in the third quarter, Anunoby attacked the rim with ferocity, soaring over White for what seemed destined to be the highlight of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. But the celebration was short-lived. Referees called an offensive foul, citing a charge as White held his ground outside the restricted area, nullifying the jaw-dropping play and sparking outrage across the NBA community.
The moment, captured in viral clips shared by accounts like @HoopMixOnly and @ClutchPoints on X, sent social media into a frenzy. Fans and analysts debated the call, with some calling it a “soulless” decision that robbed Anunoby of a career-defining highlight. “OG just ended Derrick White, but the refs ruined it,” posted @JLEdwardsIII, echoing sentiments of Knicks supporters who felt the call was overly technical. Others, like @DKNetwork, praised White’s defensive savvy, noting his smile as he drew the charge. The play, described as “offensive in every sense” by @GL8BAL_SPORTS, has fueled speculation about whether the NBA’s officiating is stifling the game’s most exciting moments.
Anunoby, known for his defensive prowess and recent offensive surge, was a focal point of the Knicks’ strategy. Averaging over 23 points in recent games while filling in for the injured Jalen Brunson, his aggressive drives have made him a fan favorite. The dunk, though erased, showcased his athleticism and added to his growing reputation as a two-way star. Meanwhile, White, a 2024 NBA champion and All-Defensive Team member, proved why he’s one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, baiting Anunoby into the foul with textbook positioning.
The controversy has reignited discussions about NBA officiating, particularly around charge calls that negate highlight plays. ESPN noted that Anunoby’s dunk joins a list of iconic sports moments erased by technicalities, like Ja Morant’s near-dunk over Kevin Love in 2020. Fans on Reddit’s r/nba community drew parallels to Derrick White’s own uncalled dunks, questioning consistency in refereeing. As the series progresses, the incident could galvanize the Knicks, who trail after a Game 1 overtime loss. Will Anunoby channel this frustration into a breakout performance, or will Boston’s defense, led by White, continue to stifle New York’s offense?
With Game 3 looming, the NBA world is buzzing with predictions. Can the Knicks steal momentum, or will the Celtics’ home crowd and disciplined defense hold firm? One thing is certain: Anunoby’s dunk, though it didn’t count, has left an indelible mark on the playoffs, and the debate over that call will rage on.
