McBride at Point, Quickley’s Shooting & Mitch the Beast Carry Knicks. NY 116 Houston 103

December 18, 2021 LouV 2021-22 0

With NY stripped of players due to COVID protocols, Miles McBride stepped into lead point guard duties, and led the Knicks to a 116-103 win over Houston in Houston. The game was close at the start of the 4th until Immanuel Quickley started shooting lights-out from 3, and Mitchell Robinson dominated inside with dunk after dunk after offensive tip-in.

The Knicks were missing RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, and Kevin Knox due to COVID protocols — even though they are all vaccinated.

1. “Deuce” McBride the Answer at Point Guard

After a very good 20 minutes the previous game vs Golden State, this was “Deuce” McBride’s coming-out game. He played 36 minutes, and had 15 points, 9 assists, no turnovers, and a +19.

He penetrated to the basket, orchestrated, passed, and hit 3’s. He led the Knicks.

Moreover, McBride played the hounding defense that he’s noted for.

Right after the game, Mike Breen interviewed McBride and his first question: What does he prefer to be called, Miles (his given name) or “Deuce” (his Knickname)?

McBride said, “Deuce”.

2. Quickley on Fire

Immanuel Quickley was on FIRE in the 4th, hitting 3 after 3 to make the game a rout in the Knicks favor. Quickley finished with 24 points on 7-13 shooting (7-10 from 3).

3. Robinson a BEAST in 4th

Mitchell Robinson was a BEAST in this game, especially in the 4th quarter, when he was the biggest, most athletic guy on the court. He was scoring inside on slams and offensive tip-ins, and blocking shots on D. Robinson finished with 17 points on 8-8 shooting (1-1 in free throws), 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 30 minutes.

4. Improved Knick Defense

Robinson and Nerlens Noel anchored the Knick defense, and the Knick guards (McBride, Quickley, Alec Burks, and Derrick Rose) played a hounding Defense all night.

Robinson (3) and Noel (2) combined for 5 blocks.

5. Fournier & Randle with 20+ Points Each

Hidden behind the 4th quarter play of McBride, Quickley, and Robinson was the fact that Evan Fournier and Julius Randle both shot well. Fournier had 23 points on 8-12 shooting (3-6 from 3) and Randle had 21 points (6-18 shooting but 3-8 from 3 and 6-6 in free throws). Randle had 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

The Boxscore

https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401360255

 

Related Articles

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*