Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-16**Lead**
A New York Knicks fan has found a way to keep the team's playoff magic alive well into October: a Halloween decoration that recreates OG Anunoby's iconic tip-in from Game 4 of the 2024 Eastern Conference Semifinals. The display, which has been circulating across social media, uses a set of articulated skeletons to depict Anunoby's leaping putback over Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, capturing one of the most dramatic moments in recent Knicks postseason history.
**Context**
The original play took place on May 12, 2024, at Madison Square Garden, during a tightly contested Game 4 between the Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. With the game tied at 89 and only seconds remaining, Josh Hart's three-point attempt missed off the rim, and OG Anunoby, who had missed the previous game due to a hamstring injury, soared for the offensive rebound and tipped the ball in while being fouled by Haliburton. The basket gave New York a 91-89 lead with 8.4 seconds left, and Anunoby converted the ensuing free throw to seal a 92-89 victory. The Knicks took a commanding 3-1 series lead before eventually closing out the Pacers in seven games, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
Anunoby had been acquired by the Knicks in a December 2023 trade with the Toronto Raptors, quickly becoming a defensive anchor and a reliable scorer on a team plagued by injuries throughout the postseason. The tip-in not only saved Game 4 but also became a defining image of the Knicks' resilient playoff run, which ended in a seven-game loss to the Boston Celtics in the conference finals.
The Halloween recreation, which has been spotted in connection with a Knicks superfan known for elaborate holiday displays, features a mustachioed skeleton in what appears to be an Anunoby jersey or Knicks colors, posed mid-air with one hand tipping a small orange basketball toward a miniature hoop, while a second skeleton in Pacers gear stands nearby. Although the exact location of the display has not been widely confirmed, photos and short video clips have generated significant engagement on social media platforms, where Knicks fans have shared the image with captions like "OG in skeleton form" and "The greatest tip-in ever, now immortalized in bone."
The fan behind the display gained some attention in earlier years for his creative Halloween decorations, often blending pop culture and sports references. This particular homage went viral because it taps into a moment that remains vivid in the memories of Knicks fans, representing both a clutch play and the team's larger identity of grit and determination.
**Analysis**
The skeleton recreation is a notable example of how sports fandom and seasonal traditions can converge. For many Knicks fans, the tip-in is not just a highlight but a symbol of a renewed era for the franchise. After years of mediocrity, the 2023-24 season marked the team's return to relevance, with Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and a cast of role players pushing deep into the playoffs despite a wave of injuries. Anunoby's play, in particular, encapsulated the team's never-say-die attitude and gave fans a tangible memory to celebrate.
The viral nature of the Halloween display also demonstrates the growing trend of fans creating increasingly elaborate tributes across social media. From backyard art to fully choreographed celebrations, these homemade recreations allow fans to participate in the culture of their favorite teams beyond simply watching games. The skeleton motif adds a humorous layer, blending the spooky season with a moment of athletic brilliance, making it accessible even to casual observers who might not remember every detail of the original play.
Moreover, the timing is significant. As the 2025-26 NBA season begins, Knicks fans are hoping to see the team build on its recent success. Anunoby remains a key piece of the roster, and the ongoing presence of such fan tributes reinforces his status as a beloved figure in New York. For a fanbase that has craved championship contention for decades, the continued celebration of this specific play is a way of holding onto the positivity and excitement that the current era has brought. It also serves as a reminder of the emotional connection between sports and memory, where even the off-season cannot contain the enthusiasm of devoted fans.
While the display is clearly meant in good fun, it also highlights the enduring impact of one play. In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, moments like Anunoby's tip-in become touchstones for a franchise, repeated in highlight reels and now, apparently, recreated in skeletal form on front lawns. That a Halloween decoration can capture such nuance and recognition speaks to the deep attachment fans have to the game and to a team that is once again part of the national conversation.
**Fontes**
Informações baseadas em relatos amplamente divulgados da jogada do dia 12 de maio de 2024, incluindo imagens do jogo transmitidas pela ESPN e outros meios esportivos; contextos históricos da temporada 2023-24 da NBA e da aquisição de OG Anunoby pelos Knicks, conforme noticiado pela ESPN, The Athletic e Associated Press; a recriação em esqueletos foi identificada inicialmente por meio de publicações compartilhadas por fãs no Instagram e no X (antigo Twitter), sem confirmação formal da localização exata ou da identidade do autor, tratando-se de conteúdo viral verificado pela equipe do FORTIS NEWS apenas em sua circulação pública.