The New York Knicks have shocked the basketball world once again — and this time, they’ve done it on the biggest stage. In a gritty, hard-fought performance, the Knicks eliminated the top-seeded Boston Celtics, sealing the series with a statement win at TD Garden.
While it was a true team effort, it was backup guard Miles McBride who quietly stole the spotlight, contributing 10 crucial points off the bench and playing tough defense when it mattered most. His energy and poise helped stabilize the Knicks during a tense second half, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike.
“Deuce gave us a lift — he always does,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said postgame. “It’s not just the points. It’s the toughness, the effort, the grit. He’s a winning player.”
McBride’s timely buckets came in key moments, including a pair of mid-range jumpers and a corner three that silenced the Boston crowd late in the third quarter. His hustle plays and perimeter defense on Celtics star Jaylen Brown were instrumental in slowing down Boston’s offense, which looked disjointed and frustrated in the game’s final stretch.
The Celtics, led by head coach Joe Mazzulla, now face another offseason full of tough questions. Despite a dominant regular season and a deep, talented roster, Boston once again fell short of its championship goals. Jayson Tatum struggled to find rhythm, and the Knicks’ physical style of play wore down the Celtics over the course of the series.
For New York, this win marks a major milestone in their playoff journey. With key players like Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle leading the charge, the Knicks are proving they’re more than just a scrappy underdog — they’re legitimate title contenders. And contributions from role players like McBride are making the difference.
“This team has heart,” Brunson said. “Everybody steps up when their number is called. That’s what it takes to win in the playoffs.”
The Knicks now advance to the next round with confidence and momentum, riding high on one of their most impressive playoff wins in recent memory.
As for McBride, he may not have lit up the stat sheet, but his 10 points and relentless effort helped etch his name into Knicks.