The Knicks have now come to expect strong fill-in performances whenever Miles McBride is needed in their starting lineup.
He was very needed Thursday night when Josh Hart stood by with a knee injury. McBride scored a season-high 23 points with five maids three-pointers, three steels and three blocking shots in 42 minutes in the Knicks' 113-11111 overtime win. Bulls.
“To be honest, it was probably there longer,” McBride said with confidence after the match. “When I'm there, I feel I can influence any way and play two ways.”
OG Anunoby (Foot) was also on the sidelines, so this marked McBride's first start in 45 appearances this season, and he made the most of it.
“Whenever he's in the starting lineup or out of the bench, he has the same mentality, the same energy,” Jalen Brunson said. “I love the way he grew into his player, the way he worked, the self-confidence and the way he succeeded.
“I'm so proud of him. I'm so happy for him. I love seeing him whenever he's there.”
Billy Donovan appeared on Providence under Rick Pitino in the heyday of the Big East in the 1980s, and is the current Bulls head coach and the Nicemith Hall of Fame finalist, 72-year-old Pitino is on the front line for his return. He said he was “not surprised” what he did. St. John's this season.
“Looking at all the circumstances he took over, it's generally the second year his team has made a big jump,” Donovan said before Thursday's match against the Knicks at MSG. “I'm really happy for him. For one thing, St. John's, who is from New York and two, has an incredible tradition and history in their basketball program.
“To see him do what he loves and do what he loves is at a level that he does at a meeting where he has always had great admiration and respect, and I'm happy for him. I couldn't do that.”
Donovan, from Long Island, was the star guard of Providence's final four squad in 1987. St. John's finished first in Pitino's second year at Queen's School in Big East (14-2, 23-4 overall).
“He loves basketball games. Every moment he wakes up is basketball,” Donovan said. “I think there are always challenges out there, but when you have the passion and love of the game he has, you understand them.”
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) also stayed for the Knicks, with forward Patrick Williams (quad) on the sidelines for Chicago.
