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3 players that have stepped up during the Knicks’ win streak

By Zachary Bachar

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 16: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks controls the ball during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 16, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 16: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks controls the ball during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 16, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Miles McBride
Miles McBride, New York Knicks. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

The New York Knicks have strung together three wins in a row over the past week, including impressive victories over playoff-caliber opponents such as the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks.

Now sitting 3.5 games back of the play-in tournament with 16 games left in the season, there’s still an outside chance that they can make it.

Lots of players have performed well during the win streak but this article is going to focus on the ones who have truly elevated their game over the past three contests. For example, RJ Barrett averaged 23.7 points over that stretch but he’d already been averaging 23.9 points since the end of December, so he wouldn’t qualify for this piece.

There are three players who have specifically stood out since Sunday and they deserve some recognition for their efforts.

3 New York Knicks players that have stepped up during the win streak

3: Miles “Deuce” McBride

After injuries to fellow rookie Quentin Grimes and 22-year old Cam Reddish, the second-round pick finally secured consistent minutes and has made the most out of them.

Miles McBride has been stellar on the defensive end, using his quick feet and sturdy frame to stick with opposing point guards step for step.

The former West Virginia star has spent over 20 possessions guarding Dallas’ Jalen Brunson and Los Angeles’ Reggie Jackson one-on-one over the past three games. On the season as a whole, Brunson is averaging 16.0 points and 5.2 assists on 50% shooting while Jackson is averaging 17.0 points and 4.8 assists on 40% shooting.

Against McBride? The two starting point guards combined for 0 points on 0-for-7 shooting, including 0-for-5 from three.

It’s a major reason why he’s had an average plus-minus of +18 in each of the recent victories, including a +27 against the Clippers in just 18 minutes.

Perhaps most impressive is the fact that the youngest player on the team (21-years-old) is doing this without any offensive boost. He’s averaging just 2.7 points on 27.3% shooting over the recent stretch, including a ghastly 14% from three.

It’s natural for a rookie to struggle as they step into a larger role and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him find his normally consistent jumper after a few more games. He shot 41% from three in college and 54% from behind the arc in the G League, after all.

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