The Knicks just got a timely answer to one of their biggest playoff questions: what happens if OG Anunoby is limited, or worse, unavailable?
For now, the concern has eased, as reports say Anunoby is expected to be ready for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
But New York also learned something more important in Game 4: Miles âDeuceâ McBride can step into a bigger role and keep the machine running.
Deuce McBride Gives Knicks a Real OG Anunoby Backup Plan
GettyMiles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks celebrates after a play during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs.
âââââââââââââââ In fact, the Knicks not only managed to cope without Anunoby when they faced Philadelphia but they clearly outplayed the Sixers.
During Game 4, New York defeated the Sixers 144-114, made 25 three-pointers which tied an NBA playoff record, and McBride was one of the reasons why.
Since Anunoby was out, McBride started and scored 25 points, hitting 7 of 9 three-pointers, and his four consecutive threes early in the game helped New York to gain the lead and momentum.
Coming from a career playoff high, it was also a signal that he is capable of hurting opposing teams when they decide to help off him.
Therefore, that explains why McBride becoming the right fit in a very specific Knicks way is his idea. He is not OG Anunoby in any way physically and nobody is claiming he is.
Anunoby provides that elite size, length, and ability to switch on the wing. McBride, on the other hand, offers pressure defense, pace, and great shot-making.
In Mike Brownâs system, it is this mix that matters as it allows New York to keep their spacing while still playing with intensity. It is clear to me that: McBride is not a copy, but he is definitely a way better answer than a passive, low-usage placeholder. ââââââââââââââââ
Knicks Trust Deuce McBride if Starter Injuries Keep Piling Up
GettyKnicksâ Deuce McBride Emerges as Unexpected X-Factor After OG Anunoby Injury
Whatââââââââââââââââ should make Knicks fans really hopeful is that McBride’s contribution won’t rely on one single injury. As we all know, the playoffs always come with injury concerns, and as we head towards the finals, there’s a greater chance that physicality will increase and players may get injured. If that happens, the Knicks will have McBride ready for that kind of situation.
As for Anunoby, the latest reporting is positive: he is expected to be healthy for the start of the Eastern Conference Finals after missing the final two games of the second round with a hamstring strain.
The extended break before the next series is a good opportunity for him to thoroughly get back in shape, but at the same time, that is another reason why New York needs depth it can rely on.
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