New York Knicks: Miles McBride is their X-Factor

As the New York Knicks continue to what they hope will be a deep run in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, it is becoming clear that Miles McBride is their X-Factor.  

After a big win for New York in Game 1 against the Philadelphia 76ers, it has become clear who is going to make or break things for the Knicks in the 2024 NBA Postseason.

Despite a poor performance from their star Jalen Brunson, the Knicks were able to find a way to beat the 76ers 111-104 in Game 1. In the win, it became clear that the Knicks have some solid rotation players to back up Brunson if needed, and one of those players is Miles McBride.

McBride started to get some significant minutes for the Knicks during the regular season and just got better and better as the opportunities presented themselves. In the regular season, McBride averaged 8.3 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per game.

Where McBride improved from his first two seasons was from behind the arc. Duece shot 41 percent from 3-point range this season while taking nearly four attempts per game. In March and April, McBride averaged double figures, as he continued to show his improvements when given the chance.

While the Knicks have a superstar point guard in Brunson, McBride has earned a rotation spot in the NBA playoffs as his backup, and sometimes his partner in the backcourt. With McBride’s ability to play defense and shoot the ball well from 3-point range, he is an excellent complement alongside Brunson as well as the main backup.

In the win over the 76ers, McBride proved that he can be a weapon for the Knicks off the bench, as he totaled 21 points and hit five 3-pointers. With both Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo struggling to score, McBride helped pick up the slack, playing 28 minutes.

Finding scoring when Brunson is off the court or not having his best game was a concern all regular season and heading into the NBA Playoffs. However, McBride has helped ease those concerns with his strong play in Game 1. As the Knicks continue to progress through the postseason, McBride will be a player to keep an eye on as an X-factor for the team.