Miles McBride 2024 NBA Playoffs Scouting Report: Dissecting New York Knicks point guard's impact and minutes

Miles McBride played a key role in the New York Knicks' Game 1 win over the Philadelphia 76ers at the Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

His 21 points, three rebounds and four assists off the bench were key for the hosts as they squandered a lead, but they hung on to go 1-0 up in the seven-game series. The backup guard saw significant minutes, and after a promising outing, he's slated to earn just as many minutes in the games to come.

McBride is in his third season with the Knicks after he was selected in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft with the 36th pick by the OKC Thunder and later traded to New York. Predominantly a reserve to Jalen Brunson, McBride suited up in 68 games this regular season.

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Miles McBride regular season stats

GP	MP	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
68	19.5	8.3	1.5	1.7	0.7	0.1	0.4	45.2	41.0	86.0

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Miles McBride playoff stats

GP	MP	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TPG	FG%	3P%	FT%
9	5.3	2.7	0.6	0.6	0.1	0.1	0.0	50.0	60.0	100

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Strengths and weaknesses

Ball control has been one of Miles McBride's biggest strengths. The guard has also shown that he's adept at shooting off the dribble and has a promising midrange game.

He offers defensive value to the Knicks, and that makes him an ideal backup guard. The weakness, though, is attacking the rim, especially when he goes up against quality bigs. He's vulnerable in phases in the paint and could use more work in attacking the rim.

His passing is erratic at times but has seen signs of improvement in his third run with the Knicks. The lack of playoff experience is another factor that may affect his game.

Teams tend to notch up the intensity a fair bit, and McBride's weakness can be an advantage for other teams.

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Miles McBride impact and minutes in the 2024 NBA Playoffs

The solid outing in Game 1 gives an inkling of what Miles McBride's role would be for the Knicks in the playoffs.

He will be part of the second unit and the non-Brunson minutes on the floor. His playmaking and shooting are what the Knicks need to keep their offense churning. Expect more minutes than the 28 he played in the first game.

Health will be a key factor for McBride this season as the Knicks' quick fix on both ends of the floor, and they will hope that he will continue with his pesky defense.

He's part of a team that lives and dies at the three-point line making him a legitimate beyond the arc threat as NY looks for a deeper run this season.

His three-year/$13 million extension shows the faith the Knicks have in him, and only time will tell if McBride will turn out to be an impact player on the bench for the team.