McBride Steps Up in Playoff Victory

PHILADELPHIA — Miles McBride expressed that he was “very happy” to take on a larger role while OG Anunoby sat out.

This was especially evident on Mother’s Day.

Filling in for Anunoby, McBride delivered an outstanding playoff performance, leading the Knicks to a 144-114 victory over the 76ers, which propelled them into the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year.

McBride scored 25 points on just nine shots, nailing seven 3-pointers. Impressively, four of those came during an early surge that indicated this series wouldn’t require a return trip to New York. In his 29 minutes on the court, he led the Knicks with a team-high +33 scoring margin against the 76ers.

“I always feel like I can make a shot,” McBride said. “I trust my work and my preparation. They opened up to me.” His confidence stood out, especially considering he’d struggled with his shooting in prior games, hitting only 5-of-19 from 3-point range over the last five outings.

Still, he managed to keep that confidence intact.

Coach Mike Brown praised McBride’s mindset, saying, “He just has a tough heart. To be successful at anything in life, you have to have a poor memory, and he definitely has a poor memory.”

McBride took full advantage of the opportunity to sweep the 76ers from the playoffs. He started strong, scoring 12 points within the first five minutes of the game.

Defensively, he remained solid and was instrumental in the Knicks’ impressive offensive display. The team made a record-setting 25 3-pointers on just 44 attempts—this not only set a franchise playoff record but also tied the NBA playoff record previously reached by the Bucks in 2021 and the Cavaliers in 2016.

With each three-pointer he sank, the crowd erupted in chants of “Deuce.”

“Deuce, he was unbelievable,” Brown remarked. “His ability to spread the floor and create space for others is second to none. He has confidence, and that confidence is what will elevate us on both ends of the floor.”