Miles McBride should spark Mike Brown to make this decision

The New York Knicks’ 119–111 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased several new tactics from head coach Mike Brown. Ariel Hukporti was announced as a starter over Mitchell Robinson, continuing the double big-man lineup amid Robinson’s injury. Eleven different players checked into the game before halftime — a sight rarely seen under former head coach Tom Thibodeau.

But perhaps the biggest change Knicks fans noticed was the role Miles “Deuce” McBride played in closing out the fourth quarter. Continuing to embrace his sixth-man role, McBride made an immediate impact, posting 15 points, two rebounds, and one steal on 57% shooting in 26 minutes.

McBride was no stranger to getting the job done on both ends of the floor, hustling back on defense and matching up against tougher assignments like Donovan Mitchell — and, at times, Evan Mobley on switches. His impact with both the starters and the bench unit appeared seamless, as he understood his role was to take that next step and emerge as a viable candidate to start over his teammate, Josh Hart.

Last night, Mike Brown used a lineup featuring McBride alongside Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns for seven minutes. Last season, Thibodeau used that same five-man unit for just 49 total minutes across 100 games, including both the regular season and playoffs.

It’s clear that Mike Brown wants to approach this season with a new mindset on both sides of the ball. If the signs for him to insert McBride into the starting lineup have ever been more evident, the time is now for the coaching staff to consider the change.

This isn’t to say Ariel Hukporti shouldn’t continue starting next to Towns. Hukporti held his own on the glass and set effective screens that opened up opportunities for his teammates during his 18 minutes on the floor. However, one of the Knicks’ biggest weaknesses last season was closing out fourth quarters — especially against top-tier teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers. The balance of offense and defense that McBride provides could be the solution.

If Mike Brown remains committed to experimenting with different rotations, Miles McBride should firmly stay on the radar. Fans should keep their fingers crossed that his minutes with the starters continue — and potentially become permanent once Josh Hart returns to the lineup.