OG Anunoby is already making a difference in New York City just days after helping the New York Knicks secure an NBA championship. The forward is using his platform to advocate for rescue animals through a new partnership aimed at finding homes for local shelter cats.

Anunoby, a dedicated cat owner himself, teamed up with Royal Canin, VCA Animal Hospitals, and Animal Care Centers of NYC to launch an initiative called "OG's Starting Five." For the campaign, he personally selected five cats from the city's largest shelter system—naming them Penne, Sammy, Roxie, Damu, and Lil Leo—to help them find permanent families.

The strategy is working quickly, as three of the five cats found homes within days of the launch. According to Katy Hansen, the director of communications for Animal Care Centers of NYC, the campaign is doing more than just helping the selected pets. It is drawing people into the facilities, which frequently leads to visitors meeting and adopting other rescue animals as well.

To support the families taking these pets home, the campaign includes a year of free pet food from Royal Canin and a year of unlimited wellness exams from VCA Animal Hospitals. Additionally, Royal Canin is donating 50,000 pounds of pet food, valued at $300,000, to shelters across the country through Greater Good Charities in Anunoby's name.

Hansen noted that having respected athletes speak out about adoption is crucial right now, especially with animal shelters nationwide facing severe capacity challenges. She mentioned that his involvement helps normalize rescue adoption for a younger generation of fans.

While the campaign has seen quick success, two cats from the original group are still looking for a home: a 4-year-old male named Sammy and a 6-year-old orange-and-white female named Roxie.

The community work caps off a busy stretch for the forward, who stood out during the five-game series against the San Antonio Spurs by averaging 21.2 points and 4.8 rebounds, highlighted by a game-winning shot in the final seconds of Game 4.