A few notes as the Knicks head to Cleveland for a big weekend…
DYNAMIC DEUCE
Miles McBride seems to be pretty refreshed from the All-Star break. The Knick guard had an incredible night Thursday against Chicago. He put up 23 points, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks in New York’s overtime win. McBride started for the first time this season as OG Anunoby (foot) and Josh Hart (knee) sat due to injury. He played 42 minutes against Chicago, 21 more than his average (21 minutes per game) over the previous four weeks.
McBride had a logical response when he was asked after the game about his production against Chicago.
“Probably being out there longer, honestly,” McBride said. “I feel like I can make an impact in any way, on the defensive end, on the offensive end; I feel like I am just able to play two ways.”
McBride made a strong case for more playing time against Chicago. He also made franchise history, according to StatMuse.
Jalen Brunson is certainly happy to have McBride on his side.
“Whenever he’s in the starting lineup or comes off the bench, he has the same mentality, the same energy,” Brunson said in the locker room after the game. “I just love way he’s grown into the player he is, the way he works, the confidence, the way he’s been successful. Very proud of him, very happy for him. Just love to see him out there, whenever he’s out there.”
McBride was shooting 40 percent from the floor (32 percent from three) in the 16 games before the All-Star break. Clearly, he came out of the break feeling good.
The Knicks may need a big performance from McBride again on Friday in Cleveland. The status of Hart and Anunoby for that game is unknown.
ANUNOBY OUT
Anunoby was unable to play in the Knicks’ first game after the All-Star break. The wing was ruled out before tipoff on Thursday. Tom Thibodeau said after the game that he believed Anunoby would travel with the Knicks to Cleveland.
It’s a bit puzzling that the Knick medical staff held Anunoby out of Thursday’s game. The medical staff had cleared Anunoby to practice without limitation after the All-Star break. Anunoby participated fully in the Knicks practice on Wednesday.
Clearly, something happened between the end of that practice and the start of Thursday’s game to keep Anunoby from playing.
The decision to play or sit ultimately comes down to Anunoby and the team’s medical staff.
“A player has input but they have to get cleared by medical,” Thibodeau said.
CLYDE BELIEVES IN NYK
A few weeks ago, when the Knicks were struggling, Clyde Frazier said he believed in the club.
“I’ve been around these guys for a while. I know they have heart, they have pride so I think they’re going to get it together,” Frazier said after the Knicks got blown out at home by the Thunder.
The Knicks have played well since Frazier’s vote of confidence. The Hall of Famer was on hand that day to talk about his new children’s book, Winning and Grinning.
Frazier has taken the book to area schools to share his message on the importance of education, perseverance and teamwork.
“What you get in your head, no one can take that from you,” Frazier says.
He plans to continue visiting schools and spreading his game plan for success in life.
“I want this to be my legacy. As long as I’m alive, I can use this book and reach the kids I’m trying to reach,” Frazier said.
Winning and Grinning was written and illustrated by the team of Ryan Sirgiovanni and Elliot Gerard. Sirgiovanni is an Emmy Award-winning TV professional and part of the Knicks broadcast team on MSG Networks. Gerard is an illustrator who creates campaigns for top brands and athletes.
Gerard said he and Sirgiovanni wanted to create a book that ‘honored (Frazier’s) legacy.”
Seems like they achieved that goal.
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