New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown has been very impressed with the defense of Miles McBride.
The New York Knicks have had a very tough run lately, losing five of their last six games. While they've dominated the Eastern Conference for much of the season, their recent skid has seen that position threatened and has put their identity as a team in question.
But, the answer to their problems could already be on their roster.
Miles McBride is a 6-foot-2, 195 pound, guard in his fifth season with the Knicks who's knoiwn for both his impressive shot and scrappy defensive play, something that was on full display when the Knicks defeated the Clippers 123-111 on Jan. 7, their lone win in this sour stretch.
LA Clippers guard Kobe Sanders (4) goes to the basket against New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) and guard Josh Hart (3) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images“He’s [McBride] an extremely good on-ball defender - especially when it comes to the pick-and-roll game,” Knicks head coach Mike Brown said of McBride after the win (via SNY). “He’s strong, he’s powerful, he’s quick and he’s athletic and he’s a little longer than what you think."
Brown continued, "So when that screen comes, he knows you run towards the ball, (get your) shoulder and hip over that screen at the same time as the ball (to neutralize your opponent’s advantage). He did a fantastic job with that.”
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) dribbles past San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (4) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Daniel Dunn-Imagn ImagesDefending Despite a Size Difference
McBride's guarding assignment against the Clippers was the always formidable James Harden, who's averaging 25.8 points this season. On paper, it was a size matchup that should have favored Harden at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds. Despite the size difference, McBride held Harden to 23 points, still a healthy scoring total but still far better than the damage Harden is capable of.
“Obviously, there was a size disadvantage with James, but he did a great job on James. You're not going to stop him, you just hope he misses some of those shots, and he did just (by McBride trying) to get up underneath him,” Brown said.
McBride's Own Belief
Personally, McBride has incredible faith in himself not just as a scorer, but on his defense. Being able to limit opposing guards is a point of pride for him and something he knows he thrives at doing.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) drives past New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) in the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images“I know I can be one of the best point of attack defenders in the NBA. I believe in myself,” McBride said. “I believe guarding really gets us going and gets us out in transition."
The Knicks may be in the middle of a tough stretch where they've found themselves significantly outscored at times, but the defense and mobility brings may be one of the most underrated and most crucial aspects of the team that could pull them out of this hole and put them back on top.