The New York Knicks have found their unsung hero in former Mountaineer Miles ‘Deuce’ McBride.
McBride, a 6-foot-1 guard, whose playing time and NBA reputation skyrocketed after trades made room for him in New York this season, took another step forward on Saturday. In game one of the Knicks’ first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, McBride scored 21 points in 28 minutes to lead a home victory at Madison Square Garden.
Before this season, McBride played in two playoff series, making appearances in eight games total last season. Saturday, McBride played seven more minutes than he had in all of those games combined.
McBride’s minutes started small against Philadelphia, but after the Knicks fell to a 34-25 deficit to end the first quarter, coach Tom Thibodeau knew a change was necessary. That change was McBride, who played all 12 minutes in the second quarter.
McBride had a +21 point impact, helping to hold the 76ers to just 12 points in the quarter. Offensively, the 23-year-old was lights out, making three of his four three-point attempts and scoring a total of 13 points to go with three more from his singular minute in the first quarter.
16 first-half points made McBride the team’s highest scorer, second in the game only to reigning league MVP Joel Embiid, who scored 18. McBride’s sudden spark certainly shocked the 76ers entering the half, but according to Thibodeau, every one of McBride’s performances is prepared for in advance.
“If you’re looking at it from the outside, you don’t see the work that he does every day,” Thibodeau said. “There’s things that he does that you know will translate. The defense is always going to be there, the hustle is always going to be there, and his shooting- he’s done an incredible amount of work on his shooting, and it shows.”
Thibodeau relied on that defensive effort whenever the Knicks needed it Saturday, and every time, McBride came through.
While Deuce rested in quarter three, playing just under three minutes, the 76ers battled back to a three-point lead to start the fourth. McBride was once again given all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter and forced Philadelphia starting guards Kyle Lowry and Tyrese Maxey in and out of the lineup through three forced turnovers, including one steal.
Philadelphia scored just 21 points in the final quarter of play, 10 less than New York and the same amount as McBride ended within the game. Deuce made one more three-pointer and scored five points with two more assists to close his playoff break-out.
McBride’s 21 points, four assists, three rebounds, steal, and game-best +37 plus/minus got recognition from the team’s star, Jalen Brunson, after the game. When asked how the Knicks came out on top, Brunson gave a simple answer.
McBride and the Knicks play game two at home again on Monday. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. and will be streamed on TNT.
Photo from New York Knicks
