Knicks elevate Miles McBride’s status as he nears comeback

Miles McBride Poised for Knicks Return

Miles McBride is close to rejoining the Knicks.

For the upcoming game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City, he’s noted as questionable.

This marks the first time he hasn’t been ruled out since his recent surgery for a sports hernia. McBride last played on January 27.

On Saturday, he practiced with the team, taking advantage of a two-day break between road games. It was the first full practice the Knicks have had since March 19, providing a crucial test for McBride’s readiness.

His participation suggests he might be prepared to return.

Before his injury, McBride was having a solid season, averaging 12.9 points per game, shooting 43.4% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc. Additionally, he’s known for being one of the Knicks’ top defensive point guards.

In contrast, Landry Shamet, who has a right knee contusion, missed practice on Saturday and will sit out his fourth consecutive game.

After a narrow 103-100 loss to the defending champion Thunder on March 4, Coach Mike Brown expressed frustration with the officiating, particularly regarding MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He remarked that Gilgeous-Alexander has a knack for convincing referees of fouls, remarking he might be the best at it league-wide.

When considering the upcoming rematch, Brown emphasized the need for his team to adjust their strategy against Gilgeous-Alexander.

“You have to credit Shai, he’s really crafty,” Brown explained post-practice. “He’s learned to position himself to exploit different situations. We need to improve on how we respond to what he does well.”

Josh Hart shared similar thoughts during discussions. He expressed the importance of adapting to varying officiating styles throughout the season.

“There’s a lot of talk about this,” Hart noted. “Referees may call things differently, and all players are unique. We must adjust to what officials and opponents do.”

With only eight games left in the season, Brown is aiming for three wins to match the record of 51 set by Pat Riley during his first year as Knicks coach in the 1991-92 season, but it’s clear he has bigger aspirations.