After a thrilling first two games of the preseason, the New York Knicks will be back in action on Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers for the second time in five days. However, this time the game will be played in Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Knicks breezed past the Pacers on Friday, 131-114, behind Obi Toppin’s dunk show that resulted in 24 points. RJ Barrett had another great night with 18 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Jalen Brunson finished with 17 points and four assists.
As New York prepares to play its third of four preseason games, three players will need to capitalize on the playing time that they receive tonight and Friday for a chance to crack Tom Thibodeau’s rotation.
3 Knicks players that need to finish preseason on a strong note
3: Miles McBride
Miles McBride impressed at Summer League in July, where he averaged 16.8 points, 5.0 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals while shooting 50% from the field and 35.7% from the three-point line. That won’t be enough to secure a spot in Thibs’ rotation, though.
Whenever Deuce comes off the bench, he gives the Knicks a boost of energy on the defensive end. In New York’s first preseason win over Detroit, McBride recorded six steals in 23 minutes. Following the game, Thibodeau said that he specifically wanted to get more minutes for Deuce, which is why Derrick Rose was only on the floor for six minutes. Thibs knows what Rose brings to the table, but as McBride enters his second season in the league, he’s still working to prove himself.
After missing a layup on Friday night, McBride was able to redeem himself by knocking down two three-pointers.
.@deucemcb11 gets it to fall 💦 pic.twitter.com/H2L51Wxehl
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 8, 2022
McBride is the pesky defender that opponents don’t want to go up against, but given the Knicks’ depth, he likely won’t be a regular face in the rotation. He isn’t a scoring threat, but he’s an excellent passer. Deuce deserves to play more minutes this season, but we all know how Thibodeau is, which is why New York’s final two preseason games will be especially crucial for the 22-year-old.