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In case you forgot how valuable Miles McBride is to the Knicks, Monday was a great reminder.
McBride had missed the previous nine games because of a sprained ankle, but he showed no signs of rust as he helped the team close out a come-from-behind victory over the Pelicans.
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Despite having the guard fully cleared to return, Mike Brown opted to keep youngster Mohamed Diawara in the starting lineup for the second consecutive game.
Diawara got off to a tremendous start offensively, leading the team with 13 first quarter points, and McBride wouldn’t end up seeing the floor until the second.
He looked a bit rusty as expected, but was able to find his touch later on.
When the Knicks needed it the most, the 25-year-old knocked down a pair of huge threes mid-way through the fourth, helping keep pace in a back-and-forth frame.
McBride also came up with a big offensive rebound, and found Jalen Brunson for two.
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He provided his usual stellar defense down the stretch, then knocked down four straight free throws to help put the game on ice, despite having not attempted one in three weeks.
12 of his 14 points came in that massive fourth quarter.
“I prepare for these moments,” McBride said. “I trust God and preparation and just go out there and give it my best.”
He finished the night an efficient 4-of-8 shooting from the field, brought in three rebounds, dished a pair of assists, had a steal, and was a +8 across 18 strong minutes.
Though the Knicks received contributions from many unexpected contributors in his absence, there’s no denying that McBride’s return is a massive boost for them on both ends of the floor.
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Prior to his absence, he was averaging a career-best 11.6 points on 43 percent from the floor and 44 percent from three in 20 games (nine starts).
With Monday's victory, the team improved to an impressive 17-4 with him on the floor this season.
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