Relief Swisher: McBride Rises in Knicks' Latest Win

Miles McBride made his loudest statement yet in Saturday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies, putting up a career-best in scoring in the New York Knicks' latest triumph.

The New York Knicks went to the bullpen on Saturday night. Fortunately for Manhattan, Miles McBride was able to pick up the save. 

McBride was placed in the starting lineup when the Knicks capped off a brief road trip against the Memphis Grizzlies and played a major role in the 106-94 victory. The third-year man posted a career-best 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting, taking full advantage of a starting opportunity afforded to him by Jalen Brunson's calf injury.

More renowned for keeping points off the board than putting them on, McBride nonetheless drew offensive confidence from head coach Tom Thibodeau, who granted him his first start since Dec. 31, 2022.

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"He’s an elite defender. That’s been his strength. That’s been his calling card. He’s proven to be a really good shooter as well," Thibodeau said, per Steve Popper of Newsday. "He has a lot of confidence (and) really works hard on his game. So this is a great opportunity for him. Every time he’s been called upon he’s been ready and he’s performed well.”

McBride had trouble making a name for himself in the Knicks' rotation and was a de facto 12th man when Josh Hart joined the team last winter. Management nonetheless made it a point to keep the second-round pick around by exercising his option for the 2023-24 season and later offering him a three-year extension hours after they dealt depth star Immanuel Quickley to Toronto in exchange for OG Anunoby and two others.

Prior to the trade, McBride had played just over 80 minutes the entire season. The Anunoby deal left the New York bench depleted, thrusting McBride into a starring understudy role.

Extended minutes have offered McBride a consistent opportunity to prove he's worthy of NBA longevity: in the past nine games, McBride has shown an uncanny ability to shoot from outside, shooting over 51 percent with an extra point on the line. He previously set the tone for the Knicks' surprise blowout win in Philadelphia on Jan. 5, the first of three occasions where he has sunk at least four three-pointers this month.

While McBride has ways to go if he's to fully make up for Quickley's lost production (over 15 points coming off the bench), he plans to fully embrace his opportunity, no matter how much time he has left.

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“I think it’s a great opportunity for me," McBride said, per Zach Braziller of the New York Post. "(I'm) able to get into the rotation and really show what my capabilities are.”

McBride's next chance to impress lands on Monday afternoon when he and the Knicks (23-16) face the Orlando Magic in a holiday matinee at Madison Square Garden (3 p.m. ET, MSG).