
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.
THAT'S TOUGH, @deucemcb11. pic.twitter.com/z0X0Z0Ej46
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 17, 2021
Moreover, McBride played the hounding defense that he’s noted for.
DE-FENSE pic.twitter.com/mlXE9h8s7G
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 17, 2021
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”.
Starts on defense. pic.twitter.com/D1gbJGrtNJ
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 17, 2021
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).
All systems go in Houston.
Q1 Offense:
▪️ 39 PTS
▪️ 7 3PM
▪️ 57.1% FG pic.twitter.com/Vt9ahAILiL— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 17, 2021
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.
💥 MITCH 💥 pic.twitter.com/fZrYPLTO71
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 17, 2021
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.
PRESSURE 🔒 pic.twitter.com/cNkQRK6IL6
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 17, 2021
Robinson (3) and Noel (2) combined for 5 blocks.
More. Mitch. Blocks. pic.twitter.com/02DpvxCTRw
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 17, 2021
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
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