The Knicks have come to count on sturdy fill-in performances at any time when Miles McBride is required within the beginning lineup.
He was so wanted Thursday evening with Josh Hart sidelined with a knee damage, and McBride delivered a season-high 23 factors with 5 made 3-pointers, three steals and three blocked photographs in 42 minutes within the Knicks’ 113-111 additional time win over the Bulls.
“It probably was being out there longer, honestly,” McBride mentioned confidently after the sport. “I feel like I can make an impact in any way when I’m out there and I’m able to play two ways.”
With OG Anunoby (foot) additionally sidelined, this marked McBride’s first begin in 45 appearances this season, and he made probably the most of it.
“Whenever he’s in the starting lineup or comes off the bench, he has the same mentality, the same energy,” Jalen Brunson mentioned. “I simply love the way in which he’s grown into the participant he’s, the way in which he works, the arrogance, the way in which he’s been profitable.
“Very proud of him, very happy for him. Just love to see him out there, whenever he’s out there.”
Billy Donovan starred at Windfall beneath Rick Pitino within the heyday of the Huge East within the Eighties, and the present Bulls head coach and Naismith Corridor of Fame finalist mentioned he’s “not surprised” that the 72-year-old Pitino has fronted a resurgence at St. John’s this season.
“If you look at all the situations he’s taken over, it’s generally the second year where his teams have made a huge jump,” Donovan mentioned earlier than Thursday’s sport in opposition to the Knicks at MSG. “I’m actually, actually glad for him — one, being from New York and two, St. John’s has received unbelievable custom and historical past with their basketball program.
“For me to see him back doing what he loves doing at the level he loves doing in a conference he’s always had great admiration and respect for, I couldn’t be happier for him.”
Donovan, a Lengthy Island native, was a star guard on Windfall’s Ultimate 4 squad in 1987. St. John’s is in first place within the Huge East (14-2, 23-4 total) in Pitino’s second 12 months on the Queens faculty.
“He loves the game of basketball. Every waking moment is basketball,” Donovan mentioned. “There are always, I think, challenges that are there, but when you have the level of passion he has and the love of the game, you figure those things out.”
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) additionally remained out for the Knicks, whereas ahead Patrick Williams (quad) was sidelined for Chicago.
